of Nokounam, may his sanctity be revered (Session 1693)
The Holy Qur'an, like an illuminating lamp, reveals the path of felicity and perfection to mankind, and with profound and wise discourse, elucidates the fundamental concepts of truth, veracity, and falsehood. This treatise, reflecting upon the radiant verses of the Holy Qur'an, examines three pivotal concepts: slander, truthfulness, and falsehood. These concepts, akin to the pillars of a vast moral and social edifice, not only operate within the individual sphere but also play a crucial role in constructing a society founded upon justice and piety. Through a deep contemplation of the verses and employing meticulous analysis, an endeavour has been made to portray these concepts in a clear and weighty language, so as to serve as a mirror reflecting the essence of human existence before ones own eyes.
Slander, defined as attributing something to God without knowledge or awareness, is one of the moral vices rooted in ignorance. This ignorance sometimes stems from inadvertence and at other times from culpable negligence, both of which are condemned in the Holy Qur'an. Slander, like a dark shadow, distances humanity from the path of truth and divine nature, leading to licentiousness and deviation.
"And when they commit an indecency, they say, 'We found our fathers upon it, and Allah has commanded us.' Say, 'Indeed, Allah does not command immorality. Do you say about Allah that which you do not know?'"
(Surah Al-Araf, Verse 28)
Slander, as a heavy burden upon the shoulders of truth, originates from ignorance or heedlessness towards the truth. This ignorance may arise from unintentional lack of knowledge (innocent) or from deliberate negligence (culpable). The Holy Qur'an explicitly condemns both and summons humanity towards acquiring knowledge and awareness. Such ignorance leads one towards licentiousness, causing estrangement from innate disposition and divine truth.
Ignorance acts like dust upon the mirror of the heart, obstructing the perception of truth. The Qur'an, in numerous verses including Surah Az-Zukhruf (Verse 78: "Rather, We brought them the truth, but they were averse to it"), stresses the majoritys rejection of truth due to either aversion or ignorance. This aversion sometimes stems from weakness in will and other times from lack of attentive hearing, as expressed in Surah Fussilat (Verse 4: "Do you think that most of them hear or reason?").
Education is likened to a gardener who shields the sapling of human existence from the pests of ignorance and licentiousness. Every individual, from childhood to adulthood, requires a mentor and guide to direct them towards truth. This education is a fundamental necessity not only at the individual level but also socially, to remain immune to ignorance and deviation.
Summary of Section One: Slander, like a tall wall, separates humanity from truth and has its roots in ignorance. The Holy Qur'an, emphasising education and awareness, exhorts humans to avoid ignorance and aversion, and to advance towards perfection through active listening and dedication to truth.
Truthfulness, like a brilliant gem in the crown of ethical virtues, signifies determination, courage, and generosity. The truthful are esteemed in the Holy Qur'an, positioned alongside the pious, and presented as exemplars of human perfection.
"Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women... and the truthful men and truthful women... Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward."
(Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 35)
"O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful."
(Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 119)
Truthfulness, like a pure flowing stream, cleanses the human being from the impurities of falsehood and hypocrisy. This attribute requires steadfast resolve and firm will, as referenced in Surah Al-Isra (Verse 80: "My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit"). The truthful occupy a high station, equal to the pious, and are endowed with characteristics such as courage and generosity.
Veracity, like a sharp sword, demands a heart free from fear and stinginess. A cowardly or miserly person cannot be truthful. Surah Al-Lail (Verses 5-6: "As for he who gives and fears Allah and believes in the best [reward]") connects truthfulness with generosity and piety. The "men of truth" mentioned in Surah Al-Ahzab (Verse 23: "Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah") refers not merely to men but to persons of high moral calibre, encompassing both women and men.
The tongue of truth is like a language that eternally preserves truth among future generations (Surah Maryam, Verse 50: "And We made for them a tongue of truth"). This language includes not only speech but also truthful conduct and character.
Summary of Section Two: Truthfulness, like a star in the ethical firmament, guides humanity towards perfection. This attribute requires education, courage, and generosity, protects the individual from falsehood and hypocrisy, and elevates one to the lofty status of the pious.
Falsehood, like a destructive fire, ruins the foundation of society and morality. Lies are linked with arrogance, disbelief, and illicit consumption, hindering spiritual and social growth.
"In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 10)
"Only those invent falsehood who do not believe in the verses of Allah, and it is those who are the liars."
(Surah An-Nahl, Verse 105)
Falsehood, like a deadly poison, contaminates both the individual and society. The Holy Qur'an associates lying with arrogance and disbelief, regarding it as a sign of lack of faith (Surah Az-Zumar, Verse 60: "They say about Allah that which they do not know"). This dishonesty damages not only individuals but also societies and economies, as mentioned in Surah Ar-Rum (Verse 10: "We drowned those who denied Our signs").
Lies act as chains binding one to illicit consumption and hypocrisy (Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 62: "Listeners to falsehood, devourers of [illegal] earnings"). The Qur'an emphasises the necessity of proof and evidence (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 111: "Bring your proof, if you should be truthful"), calling on mankind to refrain from baseless claims.
