Grave Sin of Deception, Fraud, and Adulteration While Fasting
By: Qari Usama bin Abdussalam (Hafizahullah)❖ Honesty in Islam and the Prohibition of Deception
Islam places strong emphasis on honesty, truthfulness, and justice, while it sternly prohibits acts such as deception, fraud, and adulteration. These actions are condemned in the Qur’an and Hadith as severe sins, and this condemnation becomes even graver when a person is in the state of fasting. Fasting demands heightened sincerity and moral integrity.
➊ The Sin of Deception and Fraud
The Holy Qur’an emphasizes justice and integrity and warns against those who cheat others:
وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ
وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَوْ وَزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ
(Surah Al-Mutaffifin: 1-3)
Translation: “Woe to those who give less [than due], who when they take a measure from people, take in full; but if they give by measure or weight to them, they cause loss.”
These verses clearly show that those who cheat others are worthy of Allah’s punishment. Fraud in any form is a major sin and can lead to destruction in the Hereafter.
➋ The Sin of Adulterating Milk
Mixing impurities in milk also falls under deception, which is categorically forbidden in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"مَنْ غَشَّنَا فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا"
(Muslim: 102)
Translation: “Whoever deceives us is not from among us.”
This Hadith is a clear evidence that any form of deception, whether in business or other dealings, is prohibited and disliked in Islam. One who adulterates milk not only commits a sin, but also violates the rights of others, which contributes to social corruption.
➌ Deceiving While Fasting
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink. Its true purpose is spiritual and moral refinement. To engage in deception, dishonesty, or adulteration while fasting contradicts the very essence of this sacred worship. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ فَإِذَا صَامَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلَا يَرْفُثْ وَلَا يَجْهَلْ وَإِنِ ٱمْرُؤٌۭا قَٰتَلَهُۥٓ أَوْ شَاتَمَهُۥ فَلْيَقُلْ إِنِّى صَائِمٌۢ"
(Bukhari: 1894)
Translation: “Fasting is a shield. So when any one of you is fasting, he should not indulge in obscene talk or act ignorantly. If someone fights or abuses him, he should say: ‘I am fasting.’”
This Hadith makes it clear that fasting is meant for moral training, and thus, engaging in fraud or deception while fasting defeats the true purpose of the fast.
➍ Conclusion
◈ Deception and fraud are sinful in all circumstances, whether during fasting or otherwise.
◈ Adulterating milk is a prohibited and dishonest act, which harms others and is strictly forbidden in Islam.
◈ Deceiving while fasting not only nullifies the spirit of the fast but also earns Allah’s displeasure.
◈ Islam teaches us to uphold honesty, truthfulness, and justice. We must adopt these values in our lives and avoid all forms of deception, adulteration, and dishonesty so that both our worldly life and Hereafter are rectified.
