Lying Is A Sin-Islamic Perspective

Introduction:
Not speaking the truth and telling lies is considered a great sin. Lying is always disliked and all the religions say so, particularly Islam is completely against telling lies.
According to Islam sin is any act that goes against the commands of Allah and His Prophet Mohammad  (pbuh).
Lying is considered to be an evil characteristics by general ethics and the moral survival of the world depends on truthfulness.

A Simple Definition of Lies: Lying is something complete opposite to truth.It can either be spoken or written but it is completely or partially baseless and unreal.

The worst form of lying is the one that is done so upon Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) that is to falsely attribute things to them.

Quranic Verses That Discourages Lying:
There are many times where Allah mentions the liars to be punished and discourages telling lies.
Allah says in the Holy Quran in Surah Gafir chapter 40 verse 28

.......Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies.

 In Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 verse 42

And cover not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when you know (what it is)

The Hypocrites  are liars too because they lie to themselves and there sayings and actions are opposite. Allah says regarding the Hypocrites and the liars in Suarh Al Baqarah cahpter 2 verse 10:

In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increases their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they (habitually) used to lie.

Nowadays the psychologist have  defined a condition or disorder in which a person lies habitually . Allah has described this condition of lying as a disease of heart in the Holy Quran 1400 hundred years ago.

A similar message regarding the hypocrites is repeated in Surah Al Munafiqoon chapter 63 verse 1:

.... and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are indeed the liars.

Lying Indicates A Person Is Weak and Coward:
When person lies there are many reason behind it, most commonly it is a sign of being a coward and weak. It indicates that the person is afraid of other people besides Allah. Telling lies can hide the truth from your fellow human being but not from Allah the Almighty who knows everything. Allah says In Holy Quran Surah Al Mulk chapter 67 verse 13 Allah says:

And whether you hide your word or publish it, he certainly has (full) knowledge, of the secrets of hearts.

People may lie because they have no trust On Allah and fear of being humiliated or need attention from people. Lying has become a part of our daily activities to gain more money and have better business deals etc. Many people are praying five times a day, fast in the month of Ramadan, regularly go to masjid, wear hijab but they have a habit of lying which is greatly discouraged according to Islam.

Virtues of Telling The Truth:
According to A Hadith is Sahih Bukhari Prophet Mohammad (pbuh ) said:

Indeed truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to paradise, and a truthful person continues to speak the truth until he becomes the most truthful person. lies lead to evil and evil leads to hell and a liar continues to lie until he is listed as a high ranking liar before Allah.

 It is commonly seen that to hide one lie a person has to speak another lie and then another and so the cycle keeps on going and makes him a liar.
Truth fullness is commanded by Allah as a part of faith and is a one of the qualities of the believers.
Allah says in the holy Quran in Surah tuba chapter 9 verse 119:

O you who believe! fear Allah and be with those who are true.

Our prophet Mohammad (pbuh) even before the prophet hood was famous to be the most truthful and trustworthy person in his tribe.  He was named Sadiq which means the truthful.

A Few Conditions when Lying Is Allowed:
Although lying is strictly prohibited and a disliked act here are mentioned a few conditions when lying is allowed:
1. If a person is being oppressed and there is real danger to his life if he speaks the truth.
2. To promote harmony between the spouses.
3. While making peace between two quarreling parties.
4.To make unbelievers realize the truth.

May Allah guide us all and make us truthful persons and prevent us from the sin of lying. Ameen

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