Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … Imam Nawawi rahimahullah writes: Lying is certainly a crime; however, in some situations it is permissible, but there are a few conditions for this. The summary of the detailed explanation is as follows: Speech is the means to achieve objectives. Any objective that is desirable and can be achieved without lying, in that case lying is forbidden (haram). But if it is impossible to achieve it without lying, then lying is permissible. If the objective to be achieved is permissible and lawful, then lying will also be permissible; and if the objective is obligatory (wajib), then lying will also become obligatory, such as when a tyrant wants to kill a Muslim or seize his wealth, and that person hides to save his life and property. If someone who knows about him is asked regarding his whereabouts, then it becomes obligatory for him to lie, so that the life and property of the oppressed Muslim can be saved. The same applies to trusts (amanah). In any case, in all such matters, the more cautious way is to use equivocation (tawriyah). Tawriyah means that while answering, one uses ambiguous speech which has an apparent meaning and a hidden meaning, and the speaker intends the correct objective with his words. (Riyadh al-Salihin: Chapter on the Explanation of What is Permissible of Lying) For example, in the aforementioned situation, when asked about the oppressed Muslim, he may reply: “Allah knows best where he is.” This is tawriyah, whose apparent meaning deceives the questioner, but its inner meaning is correct, that Allah Ta’ala indeed knows best.

In the blessed hadith, permission to lie has been given in three situations. At times, if one does not speak contrary to reality in these three situations, there is a risk of great harm.

To save society from mutual hatred, enmity, and conflict, reconciliation is necessary. However, those who reconcile know that to turn distances into closeness and to remove the rust of hatred and enmity, one has to lie; one has to show partiality to each party, and before each party, one has to say things about the other party that are contrary to reality. But the Shari‘ah has permitted a minor sin to achieve a great objective.

The same applies to war: where to go? Why to go? When to go? How much equipment to take? Which route to take? And so on. If all the facts are made clear, then the enemies of Islam, through espionage, can inflict great financial and physical harm on Islam and the Muslims. Another point is that if the whole truth is revealed, some of the fighters (mujahidin) may display cowardice.

As for the issue of husband and wife, the affairs of their home are no less important than the affairs of a state. In social life, there come such turns where, to maintain or keep pleasant the marital relationship, or for the sake of children, one has to resort to statements contrary to reality. However, these concessions do not mean that a general license to lie has been granted.

Lying is, after all, lying, and it is a major sin. Those who create situations of permissibility should be cautious. And Allah knows best.

The heads of households should pay attention that Allah Ta’ala has permitted lying to keep the atmosphere of their homes pleasant. From this concession, one should learn that it is extremely important for the relationship between husband and wife to be good; otherwise, there will be discord in the home environment, and the children will be deprived of proper upbringing.