113- ‘Abdullah bin Omar once said: “Three men from the tribe Quraish are the most cheerful, the most modest, and they have the best of character. They are truthful when they speak, and they are not suspicious of others’ truthfulness. They are Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, ‘Uthman Ibn ‘Affan, and ‘Ubaida al-Jarrah.”
(Beauty of The Righteous)
This report has three parts: a list of three, a list of two, and a list of three. Draw your attention to the anomaly, the list of two: truthfulness and lack of suspicion. These twin traits belong to all of these grand Companions of the Holy Prophet.
Perhaps, because they had an inner dimension of truthfulness they were able to enjoy freedom from suspicion. All of them were astute in the ways of the world, also, as leaders of large groups. So how did they reconcile that degree of innocence with that ability to manage the snares and schemes of the world? I think there is a hint in the numbers. Two qualities, rather than three, gesture at balance. If truthful inside, thus truthful outside. If internal clear, so external clear.
Sometimes the truth hurts. Often it does. But in the end, when the arc of justice or promise comes to its resting place, there lies the fulfillment. What is your truth? What rationalization do you feast or snack on? As a parent, I have noticed many: my ideals for my children spotlight my own shortcomings. Were I a better person, so I would be a better parent. It is not that I would be less idealistic (urging them to read, write, and exercise), but that I would not have to remind them as much, I think.
Truth speaks for itself. May the Almighty Allah make our outside truth better than our inside truth, and may He make our internal truth impeccably splendorous.