Chapter: The Severe Prohibition of False Testimony

Allah the Exalted says, “And shun false speech” (22:30); and He says, “Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge” (17:36); and He says, “No word does a person utter but that with him is an ever-ready observer” (50:18); and He says, “Truly your Lord is ever on the watch” (89:14); and He says, “And those who do not bear false witness” (25:72).

1550 – Abu Bakrah reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Shall I not inform you of the gravest of the major sins?” We replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Associating partners with Allah and disrespecting one’s parents.” He had been reclining, but then he sat up and continued, “And false speech and false testimony,” repeating it again and again until we thought, “If only he would desist.” Agreed upon.

[Explanation]

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—opens this chapter of Riyadh al-Salihin with the severe warning against giving false testimony. False testimony occurs in three situations:

1. A person testifies while knowing the reality is the exact opposite of what he states.
2. He testifies even though he has no knowledge whether the reality agrees or disagrees with his claim.
3. He testifies knowing the reality does agree, but he describes it in a way that does not reflect what actually happened.

All three are forbidden; no one may testify except to what he truly knows, and exactly as he knows it. If someone knowingly gives testimony contrary to reality—such as claiming that so-and-so is owed a certain amount by another person while aware that this is a lie—then such a person, and we seek refuge with Allah