It is narrated from Hazrat Khuraim (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood at his place to deliver a sermon and said three times: False testimony has been equated with shirk (associating partners with Allah). Then the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recited this verse: "Avoid the filth of idols and avoid speaking falsehood."