the unspoken truth

Yes, the truth is out there, but people rarely speak about it. Why? Because the truth always hurts. And it REALLY hurts.


Sometimes people say something to you to please you. Well, most of the time actually. Not that they will get some sort of appreciations from you or anything. But it's just an unspoken rule. If they speak good things about you, they would expect you to do exactly the same when the time comes for you to speak something about them. It's more like an investment. I sow the seeds in you and I will reap the fruits later. No need to be now. I'll eat the fruits when I'm hungry.


But it is justifiable? Is it the right thing to do? I mean, from the bird's eye view, it seems a perfect thing to do. Isn't it...? I mean, c'mon! Don't you want people to speak good and nice and lovey-dovey and mushy-mushy things about you...? Simple, just tell how good they are, be it in front of themselves or to other people, and voila! They will do the same to you! Not that you are succumbing to him or anything. It's just the right thing to do...!


My feet.


It always pisses me off, without fail, knowing that people actually do that in anticipation I would do the same. I mean, hallo...?? What's the purpose of dakwah then...? Are you not supposed to forbid the evil and enjoin the good? Are you not supposed to forewarn people around you about the dangers they are facing before it's too late to do so? And how do you go about with it again? Exactly!!! By telling the truth, the damn bloody bitter truth, on their face...! Easy.

Probably not.


"Berkata benarlah walaupun ia pahit."


Gulp.

There, swallow that. Munch it slowly and then swallow and digest it properly. Yes dear, you have to tell the truth however bitter, sour and salty it is. I know I know, it's always easier said (or written for that matter!) than done, but you don't have any choice I'm afraid.

"And thus We have made you a median [i.e., just] community that you will be a witnesses over the people..."
al-Baqarah, 2:143

You better tell the truth now so that you won't be questioned in the hereafter. Because you will be called upon as a witness at the Supreme Court of Allah on Yaumul Qiamah. If you tell the truth now, sincerely and with your best shot, there's nothing to worry. You'll be a perfect witness indeed. Otherwise, well...

"...And who is more unjust (zalim) than one who concelas a testimony he has from Allah? And Allah is NOT unaware of what you do."
al-Baqarah, 2:140

But there's a catch. Of course. Everything has a its own catch, right? Well, that's the whole point of learning the art of dakwah. Some people can't just accept the blatant truth, especially if it's thrown directly on their face. Some people might get red and furious if you are trying to be honest with them. Well yeah, there are people like that in this world. For this people, you have to try a different apporoach. Probably approaches. You gotta learn how to touch people's heart. And before you can do just that, you have to get to know them first. That is ukhuwwah. Ukhuwwah fillah. Then touch their heart. Then once their heart is soft and tender, you can now do what you have to do. Tell them the truth.

But for me, if you do see me doing things which I am not supposed to, do tell it on my face. Honest, I don't give it damn. Because I'd rather to be held accountable now, to repent now, to regret now, than pleading to Allah during 'the Day when secrets will be put on trial,' 'that Day, none will punish [as severely] as His punishment' and 'the Day when a soul will not possess for another soul [power to do] a thing; and the command, that day is [entirely] with Allah,' on which I'm pretty sure there's no turn back time. I'm pretty damn sure.


This post really is for myself. Although I'm sure you guys will benefit from it, Insha-Allah.


Coz the very person whom you have to tell the truth first before anyone else is YOURSELF.

Allahu a'lam.


-gabbana-