Parenting Perspective 

Model Truthfulness in Your Own Life 

Raising an honest child in a world that often excuses ‘small lies’ requires consistency from parents. The most important step is to model truthfulness in your own daily behaviour. If you promise to call someone back, do so. If you make a mistake, admit it openly. Children learn the value of honesty most powerfully when they see it being practised at home. 

Teach That No Lie Is Too Small 

Explain to your child that even small lies are important because they damage trust. You can use simple, real-life examples to help them understand, asking them, ‘How does it feel when someone promises you something but does not keep their word?’ This helps them to connect honesty to real feelings. When they are truthful, even when it is difficult, reinforce it with praise: ‘Thank you for being so honest.’ 

Create a Safe Space for the Truth 

It is crucial to create a home where your child feels safe to tell the truth. If they confess to breaking something, for example, your first response should be to thank them for their honesty before you discuss the consequences. This teaches them that telling the truth brings safety and respect, not fear, which will encourage them to be honest in the future. 

Spiritual Insight 

Speak Words of Justice 

Islam places truthfulness at the heart of faith. The Quran commands believers to fear Allah and to speak words that are just and true, making honesty an essential part of a believer’s consciousness (taqwa). 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verse 70: 

‘O those of you, who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty) and always speak with words of blatant accuracy.’ 

Honesty is the Path to Paradise 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the practice of telling the truth, even in small matters, strengthens a person’s character to such an extent that it leads them to Paradise. Every act of honesty is a step on this path. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6094, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise A man continues to speak the truth until he becomes a truthful person.’ 

Honesty as a Responsibility 

When a child learns that honesty is a quality beloved by Allah and that it shapes a person’s ultimate destiny, they begin to see truthfulness not as an option, but as a core part of their identity. This mindset, when reinforced by a parent’s own example, can help them to grow into a person who upholds the truth even when it is difficult.