Truthfulness holds a special place in Islam, bringing blessings that can change lives and guide people toward righteousness. This article shares a beautiful story about Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (رحمة الله عليه) and the power of truthfulness in one’s life. This story shows how speaking the truth can inspire even the hardest hearts to repent and turn towards goodness.
Story of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani and the Power of Truth
On the 9th of Zilhaj, a young boy left his home and wandered into the fields. There, he saw an ox pulling a plow and was startled when the ox turned towards him, calling his name and telling him that he was not created for play. Shocked, the boy hurried back home, where he witnessed a miraculous vision from the rooftop – the plain of Arafat filled with pilgrims seeking Allah’s (الله) mercy. Inspired by this, he went to his mother and requested permission to dedicate his life to Allah and study religion in Baghdad.
His mother, deeply moved, agreed and sewed forty gold dinars (سونے کے سکے) into his shirt for his journey, making him promise always to speak the truth, no matter the situation. She bid him farewell, understanding they may never meet again. The boy joined a caravan toward Baghdad, but during the journey, a gang of robbers attacked the group, taking everything from the travelers.
When one of the robbers approached the boy and casually asked if he had anything, he honestly replied that he had forty gold dinars sewn into his shirt. Thinking the boy was joking, the robber ignored him, but another robber soon asked the same question and received the same truthful answer. The robbers then reported this to their leader, who, intrigued, called the boy over. When they found the gold in his shirt as he had said, they were astonished and asked him why he told the truth.
The boy replied, “My mother made me promise to always speak the truth.” Touched by the boy’s honesty, the robber chief wept, realizing his own failure to honor his promises to Allah. In a moment of repentance, he took the boy’s hand and pledged to leave his life of crime. Inspired by their leader, all the other robbers also repented, vowing to lead honest lives. This young traveler was none other than the revered Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, whose simple act of truthfulness transformed the lives of forty robbers.
The Blessings of Truth in Islam
The story of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (رحمة الله عليه) shows how truth can change hearts and lead even the most misguided people toward the right path. Islam places great importance on truthfulness, as it builds trust, earns respect, and brings one closer to Allah’s (الله) mercy.
Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) on Truthfulness
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught his followers the importance of being truthful. Speaking the truth is considered a noble deed that can lead one toward righteousness and Paradise (جنّت). Here are some sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that emphasize the value of truth:
1. “Make truthfulness your habit, as it leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. Avoid lies, as they lead to sin, and sin leads to Hell.”
This teaching shows the close link between truth and goodness and urges Muslims to speak honestly as a way to reach Paradise.
2. “When a person speaks the truth, they perform a righteous deed. This righteousness protects them, leading them to Paradise.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) explains that every truthful word is an act of goodness, offering protection and the reward of eternal Paradise.
3. “One of the greatest betrayals is to speak untruthfully while your brother believes you are telling the truth.”
This saying reminds us that honesty is essential in all interactions, as lying breaks the trust and respect between believers.
Conclusion
The story of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (رحمة الله عليه) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) serve as powerful reminders of the blessings that come with truthfulness. Speaking the truth can inspire others, create positive change, and bring us closer to Allah’s mercy.
FAQs
Q: What is the importance of truthfulness in Islam?
A: Truthfulness is highly valued in Islam as it builds trust, strengthens bonds, and brings one closer to Allah (الله) and His blessings.
Q: How did Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s truthfulness impact others?
A: His honesty inspired a gang of robbers to repent and turn towards a righteous life, showing the transformative power of truth.
Q: What did the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) say about truth?
A: The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that truthfulness brings goodness and Paradise, while lying leads to sin and Hell.
Q: Why is honesty important in our daily lives?
A: Honesty builds trust and maintains strong relationships, ensuring connections rooted in respect and understanding.
Q: How can we practice truthfulness in our lives?
A: We can practice truthfulness by speaking honestly, keeping our promises, and ensuring our words align with our actions, just as Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (رحمة الله عليه) demonstrated.