Returning to the Truth Is a Virtue (A Mental and Spiritual Approach to Behavior Change) Captain Mohammed Hassan Al-Tahir

 

*Date: September 2025*

 

Returning to the truth is not merely a moral stance—it is a virtue that manifests in its highest form when the voice of reason rises above the whims of the self, and when a person chooses truth even if it contradicts their habits or interests. Here, it becomes essential to integrate Qur’anic guidance with a rational methodology for behavior change, in order to chart a clear path back to truth.

 

—

 

*🌟 Qur’anic Guidance: A Call to Follow the Truth*

 

Allah Almighty says:

_”Is he who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds no guidance unless he is guided? What is wrong with you—how do you judge?”_ [Yunus: 35]

This noble verse sets a clear standard: the one who guides to the truth is the one most deserving of being followed. It is a call to reflect, to reassess whom we follow and believe, and to ask whether we are truly walking behind truth—or behind those who possess neither evidence nor guidance.

 

In another scene, Allah says:

_”So they retraced their steps, following their footprints.”_ [Al-Kahf: 64]

In this verse, we see how Moses (peace be upon him), upon realizing he had passed the place where the righteous servant was, did not hesitate to turn back. He retraced his steps in search of truth and knowledge. It is a beautiful image of returning to the right path, no matter how far one has strayed.

 

—

 

*🧠 Rationality in Behavior Change: The Internal Rationalization Process*

 

Returning to the truth is not achieved solely through spiritual inspiration—it also requires a conscious mental process known as _rationalization_, a powerful tool for modifying behavior. Here’s how it works:

 

*1. What Do You Want?*

– To be right.

– To make ethical decisions.

– To feel inner harmony.

– To gain self-respect and the respect of others.

 

*2. What’s Happening Now?*

– You may be following a wrong habit or inaccurate belief.

– You feel tension or inner conflict.

– You justify your current behavior despite knowing it’s incorrect.

 

*3. The New Process:*

– *Admit the mistake:* Behavior cannot change without acknowledging a flaw.

– *Reframe the situation:* Instead of justifying the error, reinterpret it as a learning opportunity.

– *Link behavior to higher values:* Ask yourself: Does this behavior align with what I truly believe?

– *Take practical steps:* Like Moses (peace be upon him), retrace your steps—begin the return one step at a time.

 

—

 

*💡 Conclusion: When Reason Meets Faith*

 

Returning to the truth is a virtue because it combines the light of revelation with the guidance of reason. It is a stance that requires courage, but it yields peace and reassurance. Just as the Qur’an calls us to follow those who guide to truth, reason calls us to examine ourselves and adjust our behavior in alignment with that guidance.

 

So—do we have the courage to retrace our steps and begin the journey back to truth? 🌱