Question
Is lying (not speaking the truth) allowed in Islam?
“Well, of course not”. That will be your first response, but here is a situation. Tell me what your response will be.
Here is a weak man, who is being beaten by a gangster and thrown all over the place. The weak man, gets a chance and runs for his dear life. The gangster is following him, with a knife in hand. This weak man crosses you and then suddenly hides in the trash can behind you.
The gangster comes to you and says: “Hey, did you see that young man, where did he hide?”
My questions are:
- What will you say?
- Can you lie?
- If yes, can you quote any scholarly text to support your point? Or is it only common sense?
- Will it be considered a sin?
Answer
Answers to your questions follow:
- Under the stipulated circumstances, if I have the ability, the power and the courage to protect the person, I would tell the truth and then protect the individual, even if it means risking my own life. On the contrary, if I do not have the ability, the resources or the courage to protect the individual, I will save him from a grave injustice by expressing my ignorance, even if so doing is considered a lie.
- Answer to this question has already been given above.
- My opinion is based on the same principle upon which the Qur’an (Al-Nahl 16: 106 ) has granted the permission that under situations of persecution and injustice, a person may even renounce Islam, if such renunciation is likely to save him from being persecuted. Obviously, if the Merciful has promised forgiveness to a person and allowed him to renounce something as sacred as his adherence to Islam for the purpose of saving himself from persecution, then it may be hoped that a false statement for the purpose of saving another person’s life and property from being snatched away unjustly would also, insha’Allah, be dealt with mercifully.
- The answer is to this question is entailed in the previous answer.
I hope this helps.
UIUK
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