Speak the Truth and Maintain Brotherhood

📖Sunan Ibn Mājah 3849
Abu Bakr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “You must be truthful, for it is alongside righteousness and they are both in Paradise. Beware of falsehood, for it is alongside wickedness and they are both in the Hellfire. Ask Allah for wellness, for no one is given anything better after conviction than wellness. Do not envy each other, do not hate each other, do not cut each other off, and do not turn away from each other. Be servants of Allah as brothers.”

This hadith emphasizes core Islamic ethics: truthfulness, brotherhood, and well-being. Speaking truth aligns a believer with righteousness, leading to Paradise, while falsehood aligns with wickedness and leads to Hell. The Prophet ﷺ encourages asking Allah for wellness—a complete protection of body, heart, faith, and relationships—because it is one of the greatest blessings after guidance.

The hadith also guides social conduct:

• Avoid envy and hatred: These destroy relationships and prevent mutual growth.
• Maintain ties and unity: Cutting off others or turning away from them harms both individuals and the community.
• Brotherhood in faith: All believers should treat each other as brothers, helping, supporting, and protecting one another.

How this works in life:
When a believer practices truthfulness, avoids harmful emotions like envy and hatred, and seeks wellness from Allah, it strengthens the individual and society. Families, workplaces, and communities flourish when people act honestly, maintain ties, and support one another. Spiritual and social well-being go hand in hand.

Quranic Context:

📖Quran 9:119
O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.
→ Truthfulness is directly connected to faith and Paradise.

📖Quran 49:10
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
→ Brotherhood and reconciliation are commanded, reflecting the Prophet’s guidance on unity.

📖Quran 4:36
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.
→ Avoiding hatred and envy and maintaining ties aligns with Allah’s guidance on social behavior.

This hadith teaches that truthfulness, wellness, and brotherhood are essential for personal and communal success. Aligning with these values brings Allah’s mercy, strengthens relationships, and guides a believer toward Paradise. Practicing honesty, avoiding negative emotions, and fostering unity is both a spiritual and social command, with the ultimate reward coming from Allah.