Dear Believers!
Our sublime religion, Islam, is sent for us to live a life on the right course in a straightforward manner. Our Lord Almighty (swt) commands us to be truthful and honest in our intentions and beliefs, as well as words and behaviors. In addition, Islam never approves lies and any kind of behavior that leads to telling a lie. It does not tolerate lying, even if it is done in jest or for the sake of amusement.
Dear Believers!
Regrettably, social media platforms have risen to prominence as the areas where lying spreads the most and the quickest nowadays. Lying, which is haram in real life, however, is also haram in virtual life. As believers, it is our responsibility to ensure that the truth prevails the social media, without losing sight of our real world and becoming captives of the virtual platforms. Sharing every piece of news we receive without verifying it and thus, facilitating the propagation of falsehoods, whether we are aware of it or not, is a grave sin. In this regard, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) says, “It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears.”[i]
Honorable Muslims!
So, let us choose our friends both in social life and in virtual life from among the truthful people. Let us make our hearts the heart of truthfulness. Let us ensure that our inner world and our words are truthful, and our behaviors and attitudes are consistent. Let us not forget that if one’s word is true, their actions are truthful as well. If one’s actions are true, then their heart is truthful as well. If one’s heart is true, then their religion is true as well. If one’s religion is true, then their only destination is paradise.
I would like to conclude this Friday’s khutbah with the meaning of the 6th verse of the Surah al-Hujurat: “O you who have believed! If an evil-doer brings you any news, verify it. Lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.”[ii]
[i] Abu Dawud, Adab, 80.
[ii] Hujurat, 49/6.
FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMİİ “BEING RIGHTEOUS IN OUR WORDS AND BEHAVIORS“.(PDF)