Witnesses and Oaths

The delivery of justice is the prime responsibility of a judicial system. However, the best judicial system cannot operate properly if the individuals of a society are not truthful in coming forth as witnesses to an incidence. It is one of the hallmarks of a Muslim that he/she speaks truth and bears witness to truth. A witness should not deliberately hide facts to obstruct delivery of justice and should not hesitate to present for testimony when asked to do so. Any personal gain, relationship or animosity should not influence a believer’s intention to testify for the truth. Fear of Allah سبحانه وتعالى alone should be the driving force in this situation. A true believer is also expected to stand by his/her oaths and pledges as a practical demonstration of truthfulness in public dealing. Deviation from this practice might seem to result in temporary worldly gain but truly leads to a great loss in this world and in the hereafter.