A Sign of the Approaching Hour: The Spread of False Testimony
Among the major signs of the approaching Hour is the spread of false testimony, which has been mentioned repeatedly in the Quran and Sunnah. In the present age, this problem has become a prominent sign of social corruption and a plain violation of Islamic teachings.
Condemnation of False Testimony in the Quran and Sunnah
The Prohibition of False Testimony in the Quran
Allah the Exalted has strictly forbidden false testimony in the Quran. While describing the qualities of the righteous servants, Surah al-Furqan says:
“وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ”
Translation: “And those who do not give false testimony.”
This verse makes clear that avoiding false testimony is among the qualities of a believer. Giving false testimony not only harms social justice and fairness, but also becomes a cause of Allah’s displeasure.
Condemnation of False Testimony in the Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ strongly condemned false testimony. It is narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:
“ألا أنبئكم بأكبر الكبائر؟ الإشراك بالله، وعقوق الوالدين، وشهادة الزور، وقول الزور.”
Translation: “Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins? (They are:) associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, and giving false testimony or speaking falsehood.”
In this hadith, false testimony is mentioned alongside major sins such as shirk and disobedience to parents, which shows its gravity.
A Sign of the Hour: The Spread of False Testimony
The Prophet ﷺ foretold that false testimony would become widespread among the signs of the Hour. It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Among the signs of the approaching Hour is that knowledge will be taken away, ignorance will become widespread, fornication will become widespread, drinking of wine will become widespread, and false testimonies will be given while true testimonies will be concealed.”
This blessed hadith reflects the present age, in which lying, deception, and the trampling of justice have become commonplace.
The Social Harm of False Testimony
The Trampling of Justice
False testimony destroys the judicial system and deprives the oppressed of justice. When people lie for the sake of their personal interests, the oppressor remains free and society falls into corruption.
The Emphasis on Justice in Islamic Teachings
Islam commands every Muslim to remain steadfast in truthfulness and justice. The Quran says:
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ”
Translation: “O you who believe! Stand firm for justice and bear witness for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or your parents and relatives.”
This verse emphasizes that the truth must be testified to, even if the result is personal loss.
Conclusion
Giving false testimony is an act that is strictly forbidden in Islamic teachings. It is not only a major sin, but also a cause of social corruption and the collapse of the judicial system. The Prophet ﷺ has declared this act to be among the signs of the Hour.
The Need for Action
◈ Avoid false testimony.
◈ Promote truthfulness and honesty.
◈ Uphold the system of justice and fairness.
In this lies the well-being of the individual, society, and the Ummah.
