Never Lying

Keeping away from lying, even in jest, builds trust.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that he spoke only the truth even while joking. He warned against lying to make people laugh, and taught that promising a child something you do not intend to give also counts as a lie. Truthfulness is a principle to be kept not only in serious matters but in everyday conversation as well.

What is the hadith source of this sunnah?

This sunnah rests on the following hadiths. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.

• T1990 Tirmizî, Birr, 57
• D4991 Ebû Dâvûd, Edeb, 80
• D4990 Ebû Dâvûd, Edeb, 80

More sunnahs in Speech Etiquette

As a table with references: Speech Etiquette sunnahs.

• Speak Good or Stay Silent: Keeping away from idle and harmful speech is the tongue's most valuable use.
• Keeping Away from Backbiting: Speaking about someone behind their back wounds them. The Prophet strongly warned against backbiting.
• Not Interrupting: Listening to someone without cutting them off while they speak is respect made concrete.
• Correcting Gently: Gentleness adds beauty to any task; the Prophet advised this.
• Controlling Anger: Controlling yourself in a moment of anger is the shortest way to be spared words you would regret.
• Beginning Speech in the Name of Allah: Beginning an important matter of speech by remembering Allah brings blessing to the words.