Character Building for the Muslim Youth

Lesson 1: Kadhdhab (Liar)

*Updated from the previous workbook lesson 1; using ChatGPT for editing.

Bismillah. Welcome to the Character Building series for the Muslim youth, where we explore key ethical principles rooted in the Quran, Sunnah, and the path of the Companions (radiAllahu anhum). This series is designed to guide students towards understanding and applying these principles in their daily lives, fostering a strong moral foundation in shaa’Allaah.

Objective:

The student should reflect upon the meaning of the words “written as a liar,” in shaa’Allah. By showing students real examples of this phrase, they will be able to visually see its effect upon the individual and the recipient. This understanding is vital as it helps internalize ethical standards in Islam, promoting honesty and integrity, and may Allah make them successful aameen.

Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has said:

تَنَزَّلُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ

“Shall I inform you (o people) upon whom the shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying, sinful person.”
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:221-222)

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Hadith of the Prophet (salla allahu alaihi wa salam):

Narrated Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu): The verse “and warn your tribe (O Muhammad) of near kindred,” was revealed. Allah’s Messenger (salla allahu alaihi wa salam) said, “O people of the Quraish! Or words similar to that. Buy (i.e., save) yourselves! I cannot save you from Allah’s punishment; O Bani Abd Manaf! I cannot save you from Allah’s punishment; O Safiyya bint ‘Abdul-Muttalib, the aunt of Allah’s Messenger (salla allahu alaihi wa salam)! I cannot save you from Allah’s punishment; O Fatima bint Muhammad! Ask me whatever you wish from my wealth, but I cannot save you from Allah’s punishment.”
(Sahih Bukhari B 55; Hadith 16; #2753)

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Point of Benefit:

Yaa Sabahah! is an Arabic expression used when one appeals for help or draws the attention of others to some danger.

Reflection and Discussion:

  1. Please write out the definition for the words lie, liar, & lying.
  2. Create a sentence using the following words in shaa’Allah: liar, lie, lying.
  3. In your own words, describe how you feel when you find out that someone has lied to you.
  4. From the ayat above, tell me what thoughts you had when you read Allah’s statement.
  5. Class Discussion: The character of the Prophet (salla allahu alaihi wa salam) in reference to the statement “We have never heard you telling a lie.” Write down the conclusions.
  6. Class Discussion: How disrespecting the Prophet (salla allahu alaihi wa salam) can cause you destruction. Write down the conclusion from the example of Abu Lahab.
  7. Do you know of any other ayat, hadith, benefits of ilm from scholars, or Imams etc… that you can share with the students? Please write it down here in shaa’Allah. Read the following document.
    • Mudhakkirah al-Hadeeth an-Nabawee of Shaykh Rabee: 15 : The Consequences of Truthfulness and Falsehood
      Author: Shaykh Rabee bin Haadee al-Madkhalee
      Source: Mudhakkirah al-Hadeeth an-Nabawee
      Article ID : SCL100015
        [30661]  
  8. What does it mean to you, that if one does not write lies that you will be written as a liar with Allah? Explain.

Point of Reflection: Hadith

Narrated Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) and reported: The Prophet (salla allahu alaihi wa salam) said, “Truth leads to piety and piety leads to Jannah. A man continues speaking the truth till he is written with Allah as Siddiq (truthful).’ Falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the (Hell) fire, and a person continues speaking lies till he is written with Allah as a Kadhdhab (liar).”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

Real-Life Application:

Think about a situation in your life where you had to choose between telling the truth and telling a lie. How did you feel before making the decision? What impact did your choice have on yourself and others? Write your thoughts below:

Student Reflection:

After completing this lesson, reflect on how you can apply what you’ve learned to your daily interactions. Write down one action you will take to ensure you speak truthfully in all situations:

Further Reading:

For those who wish to delve deeper into this topic, consider reading ‘

Mudhakkirah al-Hadeeth an-Nabawee of Shaykh Rabee: 15 : The Consequences of Truthfulness and Falsehood
by Author: Shaykh Rabee bin Haadee al-Madkhalee
Source: Mudhakkirah al-Hadeeth an-Nabawee
Article ID : SCL100015  [30661]