just as one speaks of “true affection” when it is steadfast and complete, of genuine sweetness, and of a resolute charge. Truthful speech is likewise so called because it fulfils its intended purpose.

The underlying sense of this word in Arabic usage is soundness and completeness. Hence truthfulness in speech and sincerity in action. A siddīq is one whose deeds confirm his words.

Sadaq—with a short a after both the s and the d—denotes a sturdy spear. A brave man is said to possess sidq, meaning that he charges resolutely. “This is the confirmation of that” means that it bears it out. Friendship, sadāqah, is likewise so called because of the purity of affection and close companionship. The same sense appears in the expressions “He fought me in earnest” and “He showed me sincere affection,” as well as “a sure footing,” “truthful renown,” “a sound entrance,” and “a sound exit.” All these expressions signify something real, established, sought after, and desirable, unlike falsehood and futility, which have no substance and never contain anything firmly established.

Some have interpreted “a sure footing” as Paradise; others as the deeds through which Paradise is attained. It has also been interpreted as Allah’s prior decree in their favour, and as the Messenger through whose agency and guidance they attained that.

The correct conclusion is that all these interpretations are true. For Allah had already decreed the best outcome for them through that prior provision—that is, through the means He furnished for them at the hands of His messengers—and He has stored up their reward for the Day of Resurrection. “Truthful renown” means truthful praise for fine deeds and noble ways.

Its description as “truthful” indicates that it accords with reality: it is praise grounded in truth, not falsehood. A “sound entrance” and a “sound exit” are those in which the person entering or leaving is under Allah’s guarantee: he enters and leaves with Allah’s help and for His sake. This supplication is among the most beneficial supplications for a servant, for he is continually entering into some undertaking. Whenever he enters for Allah’s sake and with His help, and leaves in the same manner, he has been granted a sound entrance and a sound exit. And Allah’s help is sought.