By Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki*
Honesty is a noble trait in this world, yet it is rarely seen today. In offices, bureaucracy is often tangled with lies. In markets, merchants swear false oaths to sell their goods. In workplaces, honesty has become almost obsolete, even though it brings true prosperity.
Honesty or “As-sidqu” in Arabic means speaking the truth, being sincere, and not cheating. It is defined as “straight‑hearted, not lying, not deceiving.” It is closely linked to integrity, consistency between words and deeds and adherence to moral principles.
Islam emphasizes honesty. Allah commands: “O believers, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful” (Qur’an 9:119).
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Adhere to truth, for truth leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise… Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Hell” (Hadith).
Honesty is a core virtue of the Prophet and a source of success in this life and the hereafter.
Among benefits of honesty are:
One, Builds Trust. Trust is the foundation of strong personal and professional relationships.
Two, prevents negative consequences. Lies often result in larger problems, such as legal penalties or damaged reputations.
Three, creates a good reputation. A reputation for honesty opens doors of opportunities and eases difficulties.
On the contrary, dishonesty erodes trust, isolates individuals, and hinders opportunities. It brings hardship both in this life and the hereafter.
Cultivating honesty toward Allah, others, and oneself brings immense blessings, peace, and success. Though challenging, striving for truth and honesty is the path to a blessed life in this world and the Hereafter.
Finally, one of the key lesson we draw from Zohran Mamdani’s historic win as New York City’s first Muslim mayor is that his victory stems from sheer honesty. He is truthful about his faith and personal identity as a Muslim, and he remains candid about his political views, even those that are unpopular or face public backlash. His outspoken support for the Palestinian people and his refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state illustrate that honesty is a source of strength, not a weakness.
Learn, practice and uphold honesty, and happy Wednesday to all!
*Director, Jamaica Muslim Center & President, Nusantara Foundation
