By Aulfat Parveen

In every society, workplace, and family, a painful truth repeats itself: lies often travel faster and sound louder than honesty. Those who twist the truth gain sympathy, while those who speak it are left defending themselves against accusations they never deserved. This is not new-but understanding why it happens, and how truth ultimately prevails, helps us stay strong when we choose integrity over comfort.

People react to emotions faster than they process facts. When someone cries or appears hurt, our minds instinctively feel for them. Scientists explain this through mirror neurons, which make us experience others' emotions. It's a natural human response meant to build empathy-but it can be misused by those who know how to act vulnerable. Psychologist Paul Ekman found that most people are poor at detecting lies. We tend to believe what looks real, especially if it fits what we already think. Someone who appears weak or sad often seems honest, even when they aren't.

Social media has amplified this problem. A tearful video or emotional post spreads faster than any fact-check. By the time the truth emerges, the false story has already shaped public opinion. The person who told the truth ends up misunderstood, while the manipulator gains support.

Groups also behave differently from individuals. When people gather around a story, they often stop thinking critically. They follow the crowd because they want to belong. This is how honest people lose jobs over lies, and how families turn against someone who simply told the truth. The result is double pain-the first from being wronged, and the second from being abandoned by those who should have stood by you.

Science shows that lying is hard work for the brain. When someone lies, the brain's control center works overtime to plan, remember, and hide the truth. Over time, this becomes exhausting. Liars eventually lose their sense of guilt and tell even bigger lies to keep their stories alive. Truth-tellers, on the other hand, live with more peace. Their thoughts match their words. They may suffer for a while, but they remain mentally and physically healthier because honesty removes inner conflict.

The Qur'an speaks clearly about this human struggle. It warns:“Do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know it” (2:42). It commands fairness even toward those we dislike:“Be just; that is nearer to righteousness” (5:8). And it promises support for those who remain honest:“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good” (16:128). Lies may shine for a while, but truth carries divine protection. Falsehood fades once its purpose ends.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called truthfulness the foundation of faith. He said,“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. Falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire.” The Prophet also warned that lying is a sign of hypocrisy-a sickness of the soul. People who lie repeatedly lose not only their credibility but also their connection with Allah. Truth, even when painful, strengthens the heart. Lies, even when easy, destroy it.

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