sidq

Sidq is an Arabic term meaning truthfulness, honesty, or sincerity. It derives from the root s-d-q, associated with being true or correct, and appears in various forms such as sadiq (truthful) and as-Siddiq (the truthful). In Islamic contexts, sidq denotes both veracity in speech and integrity of intention and action.

In Islamic ethics, truthfulness is highly valued. The Qur’an and hadith emphasize living with honesty and sincerity, and a well-known hadith describes truthfulness as a path that leads to righteousness and, ultimately, to Paradise, while lying leads to sin and Hell. The concept also underpins the idea of steadfast faith, where a believer’s inner truth is reflected in outward conduct. The epithet as-Siddiq is most famously associated with Abu Bakr, the first Islamic caliph, who earned the title for his unwavering truthfulness and trustworthiness, including his supportive confirmation of the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey.

Sidq also appears in modern names and identifiers. The term is used as a given name or element in surnames in many Muslim-majority regions. In South Asia and the broader Islamic world, variants such as Siddiqui or Sidqi are common surnames, often signifying lineage or affiliation with the attribute of truthfulness. Thus, sidq encompasses both a normative moral ideal and its cultural ascriptions in names and titles.