Telling The Truth

Sheikh Junaid Baghdadi was a very pious man. Even as a child, he was hardworking and always listened to his parents, trying his best to keep them happy. His mother often advised him to always tell the truth, no matter what happened. Junaid listened carefully to her advice and tried his best to follow it.

One day, Junaid was preparing to go on a journey. Before he left, his mother sewed a pouch of money into his shirt so that it would remain hidden from robbers. When it was time for him to leave, Junaid said Salam to his mother and set off on his journey.

Junaid had not travelled very far when, all of a sudden, some thieves jumped out in front of him and tried to frighten him. “Don’t move, or we will hurt you,” they shouted. Junaid remained calm because of his strong connection with Allah Ta’ala. The thieves searched Junaid and his luggage for money, but surprisingly, they could not find anything.

“Don’t you have any money?” the thieves asked.

“Yes, I do,” replied Junaid.

The thieves searched him again, but still could not find any money. “Don’t lie to us,” the robbers threatened.

“I am not lying. My mother sewed a pouch of money into my shirt. I will show you,” Junaid replied.

Junaid then lifted his shirt and showed them the hidden pouch of money. The thieves were shocked. They could not understand why Junaid had shown them exactly where his money was hidden when he could have kept it secret.

They took Junaid to their leader, who asked him, “Why did you show the thieves your money? You could have kept it hidden from them.”

Junaid calmly replied, “My mother advised me to always speak the truth and never lie. The robbers asked me if I had any money. If I had said that I did not, I would have been lying to them. Allah Ta’ala does not like people who lie.”

The leader listened to little Junaid’s answer and bowed his head in shame. He felt guilty for stealing from so many people and for all the times he had disobeyed Allah Ta’ala. He sincerely repented to Allah Ta’ala and promised never to steal again. When the other robbers heard this, they too repented and decided to change their ways.

This story teaches us that speaking the truth has many benefits. It may not always seem easy or beneficial at the time, but goodness can come from telling the truth, and Allah Ta’ala is pleased with those who are truthful. On the other hand, lying can lead to evil, darkness, and the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala. We should therefore always speak the truth, whatever situation we may be in and however difficult it may seem.