RENAISSANCE NOVEMBER 2022

Editorial 6 Monthly Renaissance November 2022 imputed to God. What is more, people have concocted Ḥ ad ī th narratives to inject force in their views. And the list is unending …! In these dismal times, when the difference between truth and falsehood has become blurred and the call of one’s conscience has been lulled to sleep, speaking the truth is no less than the jih ā d of the tongue. Some tips may help us in being more truthful, more honest and more upright: 1. We should try to become true seekers of the truth – and cherish it whenever and wherever we find it. If truth becomes our prized possession, we will also always like being truthful. 2. We should stop thinking what others will say or think of us. This is because at times we lie to give others a false impression. 3. We should accept the fact that as human beings we can falter. One of the greatest things that induces us to lie is that we should not falter. 4. We should develop respect for blunt people because truth is seldom sweet. If we can bear unpleasant situations, we can bear the brunt of the truth. 5. When we lie to people we should confess before God and also apologize to the aggrieved party. 6. Whenever we lie, we should impose a fine on ourselves and gradually increase this fine if the habit becomes more pronounced so that a fear of a heavy penalty may impede us. 7. We should avoid situations which tempt us to lie and misstate. We are the best judge of our own selves and know our weaknesses. We know best when situations can arise which may lure us to lie. 8. We should prize the state of guilt-consciousness whenever it arises for it is an impediment and a hindrance to lying. 9. Speaking the truth requires courage, and this courage can only be attained when we fear God alone. 10. Fasting is a very good training for telling the truth. A person however much of a liar he is will never be dishonest to God while fasting by secretively eating or drinking. Finally, the words “I shall speak the truth and nothing but the truth” should be the motto of our life instead of being an undertaking while testifying in a court. __________