Lessons from Hadith #7 - Speaking The Truth

انّي لا اقول إلاّ حقّا

“I do not say anything except the truth.” (Al Adab Al Mufrad)

Once the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam joked with the Companions radiallahu anhum. They were amazed that the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam was joking with him due to his lofty status so they enquired, “Ya Rasulullah! You make jokes with us?” It was then he replied, “I do not say anything except the truth.”

This hadith indicates towards speaking the truth even in joking. Many people engage themselves in joking which is not true just to make the other person laugh. This is a lie and should be abstained from; rather jokes can be funny as long as they are of a truthful nature. Some wish to be the joker among a group of people but while he is causing others pleasure by laughing, he is causing the displeasure of Allah to descend upon him.

From this hadith we also see the soft and playful nature of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam. Many people feel that a practising person cannot be of a funny and joyful nature. Many people who are of a religious nature dislike to be of a jubilant nature and feel that they should always have a rigid, serious outlook about themselves. This could not be further away from the Sunnat of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. It is mentioned in Shamail Tirmidhi on the authority of Abdullah ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him), “I did not see anyone who smiled more than Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam.”