Hadith #9096

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "الكذب شين اللسان" which translates to

Lying is the disgrace of the tongue.

This concise statement holds immense wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to refrain from falsehood and uphold the virtue of truthfulness.

The word (kathib) "كذب" in Arabic refers to lying or falsehood. It encompasses any act of intentionally deceiving others by uttering statements that do not align with the truth. Lying is considered a grave sin in Islam, as it undermines trust, damages relationships, and leads to the spread of corruption in society.

The word (sheen) "شين" means disgrace or dishonor. It signifies the negative consequences and moral degradation that accompany lying. When a person engages in falsehood, they tarnish their own character and bring shame upon themselves. It is a stain on the tongue, which is meant to be used for the remembrance of Allah and the propagation of truth.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and condemns lying in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42):

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to speak the truth and avoid distorting it with falsehood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others, as it is a form of dishonesty and disrespect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to always speak the truth and abstain from lying. Lying not only damages one's own character but also harms the fabric of society. It erodes trust between individuals and communities, leading to a breakdown in relationships and the spread of corruption.

The consequences of lying are far-reaching. It can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even violence. Moreover, lying undermines the credibility of the individual, making it difficult for others to trust their words and actions. It tarnishes one's reputation and diminishes their integrity.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali's commitment to truthfulness was exemplary, and he served as a role model for all Muslims. His words remind us of the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking the truth in all circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Lying is the disgrace of the tongue

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold the virtue of truthfulness and refrain from falsehood. Lying not only brings dishonor upon oneself but also undermines trust and damages relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to always speak the truth and avoid the disgrace of lying.