Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) was informed that Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say (Bukhari and Muslim have narrated this as a marfu' hadith): Consider truthfulness obligatory upon yourselves, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to Hell. Have you not heard people say: So-and-so spoke the truth and became righteous, he lied and became wicked.