The Prohibition of Lying and the Permission to Lie for the Purpose of Reconciliation
Question:
Is it permissible to lie at any time?
Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد:
We should know that the basic reason for the prohibition of lying (its being impermissible) is that it causes corruption and betrayal among people.
However, if at some occasion lying carries a predominant benefit (i.e., a greater good), or is purely good, then in such a case lying is permissible, in shā’ Allāh.
Specific Cases of Permissible Lying in Light of the Hadith
➊ One who lies with the intention of reconciliation is not a liar
Evidence for this is found in a hadith of Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
As narrated in Mishkat (vol. 2, p. 412) from Umm Kulthum (may Allah be pleased with her):
“She said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“لَيْسَ الْكَذَّابُ الَّذِي يُصْلِحُ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ، فَيَقُولُ خَيْرًا أَوْ يَنْمِي خَيْرًا””
The one who lies to reconcile between people is not a liar, for he conveys good words and conveys good.
➋ Permission to lie on three specific occasions
It is related in Musnad Ahmad (vol. 6, p. 459) and Jami’ al-Tirmidhi (vol. 2, p. 183) from Asma’ bint Yazid (may Allah be pleased with her):
“She said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Lying is not permissible except in three situations:
◈ A man lying to please his wife.
◈ Lying during war.
◈ Lying to reconcile between people.”
➌ The narration of Imam Ahmad
In Musnad Ahmad (vol. 6, p. 404), it is narrated from Umm Kulthum bint Uqbah (may Allah be pleased with her):
“She said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ permitted lying on three occasions:
◈ At the time of war.
◈ For reconciliation (conciliation) between people.
◈ A man lying to his wife.”
➍ Lying in the relationship between husband and wife
Another narration mentions:
“A man lying while speaking to his wife, and a woman lying while speaking to her husband.”
Conclusion
In light of all these hadiths, it becomes clear that permission has been given to lie for the purpose of reconciliation, or with the intention of improving the relationship between spouses, or during war.
A person who says good words or strives to reconcile between people will not be called a liar.
ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب.
