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Lesson 47: Truth And Falsehood

Tradition

إنَّ الْحَقَّ ثَقِيْلٌ مَرِىءٌ، وَ إنَّ الْباطِلَ حَفِيفٌ وَبِىْءٌ

Imam ‘Ali (‘a) is narrated to have said: “The truth is heavy and difficult, yet it is refreshing and agreeable, while falsehood is light and easy, while being painful and dangerous.”1

Brief Commentary

This description of truth and falsehood by Imam ‘Ali (‘a) is extremely brief in terms of words yet exceedingly eloquent. The tradition mentions that while truth may initially seem difficult to deal with, it is in reality one of the best things for the people to hear. Truth acts like a healing balm which cures society of its many ills and problems.

At the same time, falsehood can be easier to deal with initially and so people may prefer to hear what is a lie rather than what is the truth. Yet, by its very nature, falsehood acts like a poison which damages and destroys whatever it comes into contact with. It can be compared to a food which looks delicious but is actually filled with poison. It may taste good with those first bites, but very soon, the destructive effects of the poison will be felt and the person will suffer greatly as a result.

  • 1. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 70, p. 107.