Say what you do, do what you say

This verse invites us to align our words with our actions.

يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفۡعَلُونَ

and that they say what they do not do.

Quran, Ash-Shu'araa 26:226

In this passage, Allah describes people who say what they do not do. The previous verse shows them wandering in every valley, and this one specifies their flaw: the gap between their words and deeds. The following verse excepts those who believe, do good, and remember Allah often, showing the path of sincerity.

In daily life, we can easily promise without keeping, advise without practicing. Sincerity (sidq) means being consistent: not claiming what we do not do ourselves.

Today, before giving advice or making a promise, ask yourself if you can apply it yourself. If not, rephrase or refrain.