Sixth: What distinguishes those of utmost truthfulness, the martyrs, and the righteous from those who imitate them—those who show off, seek to be heard, and sink into despair—is truthfulness as opposed to lying.

Seventh: Truthfulness is coupled with sincerity, which is the foundation of religion, in the Book … (1) and in the words of scholars and spiritual teachers. Allah Most High says:

“Avoid false speech, being sincerely devoted to Allah, associating no partners with Him.”

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said twice, “False testimony is equivalent to associating partners with Allah,” and recited this verse. He also said:

“Shall I tell you of the gravest major sins? Associating partners with Allah and disobedience to parents.” He had been reclining, but then sat up and said, “Beware of false speech! Beware of false testimony!” He continued repeating this until we said, “If only he would stop.”

Eighth: Truthfulness is the cornerstone of the specific testimony given before judges, upon which rulings and adjudication rest, and of testimony in general concerning all matters. Bearing witness is a distinctive feature of this community, by which it is distinguished in His words:

“Thus We have made you a just community, so that you may be witnesses over mankind.”

It is also the cornerstone of an admission, which is a person’s testimony against himself, and of the hadiths and reports upon which Islam rests. Indeed, it is the cornerstone of prophethood and messengership, which mediate between Allah and His creation, and of the issuing of religious verdicts, which