4 Situations Where Lying Is Allowed for the Sake of Peace

Four Situations Where Lying Is Permissible for Reconciliation
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Vol. 1, p. 210

❖ Question​

Is lying ever permissible in Islam?

✦ The Response​

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:


It is essential to understand that the prohibition of lying is fundamentally due to the corruption and betrayal it causes among people.
However, if lying serves a greater benefit (maṣlaḥah rājiḥah) or brings clear-cut goodness, then it is considered permissible, with conditions, in light of authentic aḥādīth.

❖ Situations Where Lying Is Allowed in Light of Ḥadīth​

➊ Lying for the Sake of Reconciliation Is Not Considered Lying​

According to a ḥadīth recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, as narrated by Umm Kulthūm (RA):


"He is not considered a liar who speaks for the sake of reconciliation between people — conveying good or promoting peace."
Mishkāt (Vol. 2, p. 412)

➋ Three Specific Cases Where Lying Is Permitted​

Narrated by Asmā’ bint Yazīd (RA):
The Prophet ﷺ said:


“Lying is not permissible except in three cases:
◈ A man lying to his wife to please her,
◈ Lying during war,
◈ Lying to reconcile between people.”
Musnad Aḥmad (Vol. 6, p. 459), Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī (Vol. 2, p. 183)

➌ Imām Aḥmad’s Report of the Same Three Cases​

Narrated by Umm Kulthūm bint ʿUqbah (RA):


The Prophet ﷺ allowed lying in the following three situations:
◈ In warfare,
◈ For reconciliation between people,
◈ A husband lying to his wife.
Musnad Aḥmad (Vol. 6, p. 404)

➍ Mutual Lying Between Husband and Wife​

In another narration, it is explicitly mentioned:


“A man may lie to his wife and a woman may lie to her husband (to maintain harmony in their relationship).”
al-Ṣaḥīḥah (Vol. 2, p. 74)

❖ Conclusion​

These aḥādīth clearly demonstrate that lying is permissible in the following contexts:


❀ To reconcile between people
❀ To maintain harmony between husband and wife
❀ In warfare


One who lies with good intention, aiming for peace and harmony, is not regarded as a liar in the Sharīʿah.


ھٰذا ما عندي، واللّٰه أعلم بالصواب
This is what I hold; and Allah knows best what is correct.