Truth Scores a Magnificent Victory
Once during the days of the British rule of India, a dispute arose between the Hindus and Muslims in Muzaffarnagar District, Kandhla, over a plot of land which both of them claimed as their place of worship. They referred the matter to the English ruler of the district. He heard the case and proofs presented by both parties but could not reach a verdict.
He asked the Hindus, “Is there a Muslim in the area whose word you trust?”
The Hindus replied, “Yes, we do,” and they mentioned the name of a Muslim scholar. The ruler, thereupon, summoned the Muslim scholar to his court. When the messenger came to inform the scholar, he replied, “I cannot come because I have taken an oath never to look at the face of an Englishman.”
The ruler was informed of his response and he sent another message, saying, “He need not look at my face but the gravity of the matter in dispute requires his testimony.”
At last the scholar agreed. He came and stood in the court, with his back turned towards the ruler and declared, “The Hindus are right. The plot in dispute belongs to them.”
The ruler decided accordingly. The Muslims lost the case, but truth scored a magnificent victory. A number of Hindus embraced Islam that very day. (Pearls from the Path, Vol 1, p 115)
Morals
1. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has encouraged speaking the truth no matter how unpalatable it might be to others.
2. Truth brings respectability and success. Lies invite disgrace and failure.
