Explanation of Riyadh as-Saliheen Chapter on Truthfulness By Shaykh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Uthaymeen

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6094, Sahih Muslim 2607) Truthfulness (sidq) is not merely about avoiding lies — it is a comprehensive quality that governs the heart's relationship with Allah, the tongue's relationship with reality, and a person's relationship with everyone they deal with.

About This Book

Imam al-Nawawi dedicated a full chapter of Riyaadh al-Saliheen to this quality, and this volume presents Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin's detailed commentary on it — walking through the hadith of the chapter one by one, drawing out the fiqh and the spiritual lessons of each narration with his characteristic clarity.

What This Book Covers

The Definition and Types of Truthfulness

Truthfulness in speech is the most obvious dimension, but Shaykh al-Uthaymin addresses truthfulness in intention (sincerity), truthfulness in resolve (following through on what one commits to), and truthfulness in one's internal states — not claiming feelings of worship or devotion that one does not actually have.

The Hadith of the Chapter Explained

Each hadith is presented with its chain context, its meaning explained, its rulings extracted, and its connection to the broader Islamic value of sidq established. Shaykh al-Uthaymin's explanations are precise without being dry.

The Relationship Between Truthfulness and the Heart

The commentary repeatedly returns to the internal dimension — that truthfulness begins in the heart and works outward, and that a person whose heart is sound will find their tongue and dealings naturally aligned with truth.

About the Authors

The original collection, Riyad as-Saliheen, was compiled by Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf an-Nawawi (631–676 AH). This commentary upon its chapter on truthfulness is by Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymin (1347–1421 AH / 1929–2001 CE), who studied under Shaykh Abdur-Rahman as-Sa'di, taught for decades in the Grand Mosque of Unayzah and at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and served on the Senior Scholars Council of Saudi Arabia. Published by Maktabatul-Irshad Publications.

Who This Book Is For

Muslims who want to deepen their understanding of sidq as a comprehensive Islamic value, students studying Riyaadh al-Saliheen, and anyone who recognizes that their relationship with truthfulness — in speech, intention, and inner life — needs strengthening.

Continue Reading

This is one of three chapter-length volumes in the series — the others cover moderation in acts of obedience and humility. The complete collection is Riyad-us-Saliheen with Commentary. Browse more works by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin, or see our guide to the best hadith books to start with the Sunnah.