The Weight of ‘Insignificant Words’ in Islam: Accountability and Truthfulness

The Significance of Small Words: How ALLĀH Views Everyday Lies

‘INSIGNIFICANT WORDS’ REGARDED AS LIES

ALLĀH says: “…you counted it a little thing, while with ALLĀH it was very great…” {An-Nūr || Verse 15}

"ALLĀH has kept account of it all, while they have forgotten it. For ALLĀH is a Witness over all things." {Al-Mujādilah: Verse 6}

Abdullah ibn Amr (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: My mother called me one day while the Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) was seated in our house. She said, “Come here and I will give you something.” The Prophet (ﷺ) asked her, *“What do you want to give him?”* She said, “I will give him a date.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, *“If you had not given him anything, it would have been recorded against you as a lie.”* (Sunan Abī Dāwūd #4991)

Asma’ bint Yazid reported: Food was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) and it was presented before us. We said, “We do not have an appetite for it.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do not combine hunger with lies.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 3298)

Al-Tibi, commenting on the hadith (Sunan Ibn Mājah 3298), said: “It means you refused the food with your saying we have no appetite for it, but you were actually hungry. It is a combination between hunger and dishonesty.” {Mirqāt al-Mafātīḥ #4256}

In our daily lives, we may make offhand remarks, half-truths, or promises we don’t intend to keep, thinking they’re harmless. The above texts highlight how seemingly small, everyday words and actions can hold significant weight in the sight of ALLĀH, even if we may regard them as insignificant. Simple statements, like making promises we don’t keep or claiming something untrue, even a promise to a child hold weight and if it’s not fulfilled, are recorded and can be counted as lies, impacting our integrity. These teach us to be mindful and truthful in every situation, no matter how small, as these actions shape our character and our accountability before ALLĀH.