In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Truthful Witness

God calls Himself The Truth/ Al-Haq, the noun and the most explicit definition of justice (22:62, 24:25, 31:30). Al-Haq means the truth ITSELF which simply attributes to God being the source of ALL justice and truth. He is the Best and the Most Efficient Judge and Reckoner (6:57, 7:87, 10:109, 12:80, 14:51, 21:47, 33:39).

Because justice is an integral part of healthy souls and communities, we are commanded by God, Al-Haq, to follow His example and incorporate such superior ethical character into our behavior. Righteous believers are to establish justice on earth based on God's decreed laws (16:90, 7:29, 55:7-9). Justice, as we learn from Quran, is the only foundation of peace (49:9-10).

Iron: The Most Useful Metal [57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. ....

[55:7] He constructed the sky and established the law.
[55:8] You shall not transgress the law.
[55:9] You shall establish justice; do not violate the law.

[49:9] If two groups of believers fought with each other, you shall reconcile them. If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just.
[49:10] The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy.

For the advancement of our souls and our communities, there are many guidelines and examples in Quran to teach us how and why we must strive to practice justice. We are to heed these examples and implement these teachings every moment of our lives.

Being a truthful witness is one challenging practice test for equity and justice. To be a truthful witness, one must investigate matters, listen to all the involved parties under all circumstances with no exceptions, then judge equitably based on the authentic and witnessed information and entirely according to the laws and the ethics of Quran- the ultimate source of laws with the highest standards of morality. Failing to pursue these steps is a compromise of God's teachings and betrayal to our souls. Both are mere examples of dishonesty.

Crucial Advice [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.

Investigate Rumors Before Believing Them [49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done.

Honesty & Justice Advocated [4:58] GOD commands you to give back anything the people have entrusted to you. If you judge among the people, you shall judge equitably. The best enlightenment indeed is what GOD recommends for you. GOD is Hearer, Seer.

[33:70] O you who believe, reverence GOD and utter only the correct utterances.

[9:119] O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD, and be among the truthful.

We learn that David asked God for His forgiveness when he failed to listen to all parties in dispute:

David's Exemplary Piety [38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.
[38:25] We forgave him in this matter. We have granted him a position of honor with us, and a beautiful abode.

The claim of righteousness is invalidated when we fail to be a truthful witness:

[22:30] Those who reverence the rites decreed by GOD have deserved a good reward at their Lord. All livestock is made lawful for your food, except for those specifically prohibited for you. You shall avoid the abomination of idol worship, and avoid bearing false witness.

Additional Traits of the Righteous [25:72] They do not bear false witness. When they encounter vain talk, they ignore it.

The challenge becomes overwhelming when we have affairs or conflicts on our way of being honest and equitable. A righteous believer would side with the truth irrespective of any personal wishes or gains.

You Shall Not Bear False Witness [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

Due to the extreme importance of having certain number of witnesses for the execution of certain transactions or to prove certain accusations, it is crucial to investigate the integrity of witnesses. God commands us to revoke false witnesses and overrule false testimonies:

[5:107] If the witnesses are found to be guilty of bias, then two others shall be asked to take their places. Choose two persons who were victimized by the first witnesses, and let them swear by God: "Our testimony is more truthful than theirs; we will not be biased. Otherwise, we will be transgressors."
[5:108] This is more apt to encourage an honest testimony on their part, fearing that their oath may be disregarded like that of the previous witnesses. You shall observe God and listen. God does not guide the wicked.

The ultimate challenge is when we are asked to testify against our loved ones or ourselves. For righteous believers, the passion for justice and truth is far greater and much more soul-rewarding than any other selfish emotional ties.

You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

God witnesses all things and beings. A witness, whether it is on earth or in God's kingdom, is witnessed by the Almighty. Only those who justly and righteously attend to their souls are able to testify the truth. Only those who have developed the passion for justice and the strength to practice it are worthy of the honor and credit of being a truthful witness on earth or in God's kingdom:

The Day of Judgment [39:68] The horn will be blown, whereupon everyone in the heavens and the earth will be struck unconscious, except those who will be spared by GOD. Then it will be blown another time, whereupon they will all rise up, looking.
[39:69] Then the earth will shine with the light of its Lord. The record will be proclaimed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought forth. Everyone will then be judged equitably, without the least injustice.
[39:70] Every soul will be paid for whatever it did, for He is fully aware of everything they have done.

[78:38] The day will come when the Spirit and the angels will stand in a row. None will speak except those permitted by the Most Gracious, and they will utter only what is right.

[3:53] "Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down, and we have followed the messenger; count us among the witnesses."

Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.