FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

the spirit of speaking truth in society, Islam has set down specific guidelines. The Quran asks its readers to hold truth dearer than their kith and kin: "Believers, be strict in upholding justice and bear witness for the sake of God, even though it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kindred. Be they rich or poor, God knows better about them both. Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice. If you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that God is well aware of all that you do." (4: 135) Unintentional spreading of lies and rumours is attributed to the hasty and impulsive nature of human beings. To dissuade people from being overhasty and imprudent, the Prophet said: “Patient deliberation is from God and haste is from the Satan.” (Tirmidhi) People should be extremely cautious about every word that they utter. They will be held accountable for not only the deeds they perform, but also for the words they speak. God has an impeccable system of recording our words. “Each word a person utters shall be noted down by a vigilant guardian.” (50: 18). The Quran also says: “Believers, fear God, and say the right word.” (33: 70) o Prof. Farida Khanam hub@thespiritofislam.org People should be extremely cautious about every word that they utter. They will be held accountable for not only the deeds they perform, but also for the words they speak.