Question (Q-75)
In order to gain the attention of her friends so that they take care of her, Khalidah lied to them saying that one of her friends back home committed suicide, whilst in reality, her friend is healthy and strong. At the time, she perceived such a statement to be fine. However, she now feels guilty whenever she thinks about it. What is the ruling about lying in order to gain attention of friends?
Answer:
The statement of Khalidah was a lie and lying is a major sin. It is therefore necessary upon her to repent. Allah the Almighty states,
قتل الخراصون
“Slain be those who mould from their imaginations.” (Sūrah Adh Dhāriyāt 51:10)
It is stated in the interpretation of the aforementioned Verse in Tafsīr Jalālayn,
لعن الكذابون أصحاب القول المختلف
“The liars who make contradictory statements are cursed.”
The Noble Prophet ﷺ stated,
كبرت خيانة أن تحدث أخاك حديثا هو لك به مصدّق وأنت له به كاذب
“It is a great deception that you make a statement to your brother who is perceiving your statement to be true whilst you are actually lying to him.” (Sunan Abī Dawūd, Kitāb ul Adab, Bāb fil Ma’ārīdh)
It is stated in Durr ul Mukhtār,
لأن عين الكذب حرام
“Because blatant lying is forbidden.”
It is stated in Radd ul Muhtār,
وقال عليه الصلاة والسلام الكذب مع الفجور وهما فى النار ولم يتعين عين الكذب للنجاة وتحصيل المرام
“The Prophet ﷺ said, “Lying accompanies immorality and they are both in the fire of Hell.”
Exceptional permission has not been granted for blatant lies in order to save oneself from harm and in order to attain a purpose.” (Radd ul Muhtār, Volume 9, Page 706)
And Allah knows best
Written by: Shaykh Omar Khan (Allah preserve him)
Verified by: Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
