My dear brothers and sisters, let us express our gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us life and the opportunity to gather here today. His blessings are immeasurable, and we must continually praise Him in every circumstance.
Today, I want to address a grave issue that plagues our society: cheating. It is a destructive force that erodes the fabric of our community. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us about the consequences of such behavior, and it is imperative that we heed his guidance.
Cheating: A betrayal of faith
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as narrated by Abu Huraira, declared, “The one who cheats us is not among us.” This is a profound statement that should resonate deeply within our hearts. While it doesn’t mean a cheater is a non-believer, it unequivocally indicates a lack of true faith.
Regardless of one’s position or status, cheating is incompatible with the qualities of a devout Muslim.
Allah Almighty has repeatedly warned us about the dangers of cheating in the Quran.
Let us examine our lives closely to identify any traces of hypocrisy. Remember, hypocrites will occupy the lowest depths of Hellfire. May Allah protect us from such a terrible fate.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified four characteristics of a hypocrite: lying, betraying trust, breaking promises, and failing to keep secrets. If you recognize any of these traits in yourself, sincere repentance is essential.
The devastating impact of cheating
Cheating is a societal cancer that destroys trust, breeds corruption, and hinders progress. It is a grave sin that Allah has condemned. Those who oppress others by seizing their land or property will be burdened with their victims’ grievances on the Day of Judgment.
The Quran provides numerous examples of the dire consequences of cheating. The people of Prophet Shu’aib (peace be upon him) were destroyed for their economic fraud. This is a stark reminder of the fate that awaits those who engage in dishonest practices.
We see the pervasive effects of cheating in our daily lives. From inaccurate measurements in markets to the rampant production of substandard goods, our society is inundated with dishonesty. The collapse of buildings, the proliferation of fake drugs, and countless other tragedies are direct results of this pervasive problem.
Even within our families, marriages, and educational institutions, cheating has become a disturbing trend. Examination malpractice, financial deceit, and marital infidelity are just a few examples of how this vice infiltrates our personal lives.
A call to action
My dear brothers and sisters, it is incumbent upon us to address this crisis. Let us commit to honesty, integrity, and fairness in all our dealings. Let us be vigilant in protecting the rights of others and upholding the principles of Islam.
We must support businesses and individuals who prioritize honesty and quality. We must demand accountability from those in positions of authority. And most importantly, we must strive to be examples of integrity in our own lives.
May Allah guide us towards righteousness and protect us from the evils of cheating. Ameen.
*Mallam Harun Umar writes from Afemai Mosque in Benin City.
