By Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki*
No matter how they try to silence or threaten you, no matter what issue they throw at you, truth remains truth. It will appear in its own time. The validity of something isn’t measured by how many people believe it. A lie that’s half‑truth is the darkest of all deceptions. Perhaps we’ve become too clever at pretending, forgetting that we’re the ones pretending, and eventually we mistake that façade for reality.
Evil will only triumph when good people say or do nothing. No amount of falsehood can hide the truth; lies only delay it, never erase it. People often feel right at first glance, yet that “rightness” is always limited by their own perspective.
In reality, people generally don’t like hearing the truth because it’s often bitter and painful. A falsehood never becomes truth no matter how often it’s promoted and truth never becomes falsehood even if it’s never announced.
The Prophet (SAW) said, “A servant’s faith will not be straight until his heart is straight, and his heart will not be straight until his tongue is straight.”
Be wary of liars—they constantly deny the truth. We must strive to follow truth and stay away from liars and deceitful people in any circumstance.
Ibn Mu‘taz said: “Avoid keeping the company of liars; if you must be with one, don’t trust him, and don’t let him know you doubt him, lest he turn from his friendship and never change his nature.”
Al‑Hasan bin Sahl said: “A liar is a thief; the thief steals your wealth, the liar steals your mind. Never trust a liar, for he may lie to you, and whoever backbites others in your presence may backbite you elsewhere.”
Truth always finds a way to reveal itself. Justice, truth, and freedom are the roots of happiness. In every truth there is an ear that listens. Righteousness leads one to truth, and truth leads one to the pinnacle of knowledge and humility.
Keep walk according to your conscience while you remain on the right path (truth). Sincerity of heart is the source of truth itself. Practice what is right, not what is merely customary. Finding truth is easy; facing it is hard; following it is even harder still.
There’s no need to question truth; give it a chance to prove itself. And remember, the best companion or friends is one who bravely critiques us toward truth, not one who always validates our actions.
Don’t feel lonely on the path of truth just because few walk it. When faith becomes reality, honesty becomes the foundation of truth. Swallowing blind affirmation from a single side is not right. Truth needs no human justification; it stands firm and proud. Even if covered, it will one day be appearing again.
May Allah grant us guidance, keep us steadfast in upholding truth, and protect us from the deceitful. Amin!
Happy Monday to all!
*Director, Jamaica Muslim Center & President, Nusantara Foundation
