False Testimony in Islam: A Sign of the Hour and a Major SinWritten by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Widespread False Testimony: A Sign of the Last Day
One of the clear signs of the approaching Day of Judgment is the prevalence of false testimony. This alarming trend is explicitly condemned in both the Qur’an and Sunnah. In today's world, false witness has become a common social disease, undermining justice and contradicting Islamic teachings.
➊ The Qur’an on False Testimony
Surah al-Furqān (25:72):
"وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ"
Translation: “And those who do not bear false witness.”
This verse describes the righteous servants of Allah as those who avoid giving false testimony, clearly indicating that truthfulness is a defining trait of the believers.➋ The Sunnah on the Severity of False Testimony
Hadith – One of the Greatest Sins
Narrated by Abū Bakrah (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Shall I not tell you of the gravest of the major sins? Associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, and giving false witness or speaking falsehood."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
⚠ In this ḥadīth, false testimony is mentioned alongside shirk and disobedience to parents, highlighting its severity and destructive consequences.
➌ False Testimony as a Sign of the Hour
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Among the signs of the Hour: knowledge will be lifted, ignorance will spread, fornication will become widespread, alcohol will be consumed openly, false testimony will be given, and true testimony will be concealed."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
This ḥadīth reflects the present reality, where lying and betrayal of truth have become commonplace, and justice is being trampled.➍ Social Impact of False Testimony
❖ Destruction of Justice
False testimony leads to the collapse of judicial systems, the injustice of the oppressed, and the freedom of the guilty. When individuals lie for personal gain, the entire system of fairness crumbles.
❖ The Islamic Call to Uphold Justice
Surah al-Nisāʾ (4:135):
"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ"
Translation: “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives.”
This verse emphasizes that truthful testimony is an obligation, even if it brings personal loss or discomfort.✔ Conclusion
False testimony is a major sin that Islam strictly forbids. It is a means of social corruption, a threat to justice, and a clear sign of the Last Day. The Prophet ﷺ strongly warned against it and included it among the most grievous offenses in the sight of Allah.
◈ Action Points
Avoid all forms of false testimony. Promote truth and integrity in all dealings. Support and strengthen systems of justice.Indeed, in truth lies salvation — for the individual, society, and the Ummah.
Supplication
May Allah protect our tongues from falsehood and make us upholders of justice and truth. Āmīn.
