situation, since some of the early generations are reported to have said that such speech offers a way to avoid lying.

My view is that this is disliked, because it obscures one’s meaning to the listener, who may think he has been lied to. One thus exposes oneself to accusations of lying, so it is better to refrain from it.

Fifth: lying to protect someone from injustice. For example, a wronged man may hide with someone from a person seeking unjustly to kill or beat him. If that person asks his host whether the man is with him or whether he knows his whereabouts, he replies, “He is not with me, nor do I know where he is staying.” Such lying is obligatory, because it preserves the man’s life and wards off harm.

Section
What May and May Not Be Studied Concerning the Stars

It is permissible to study the stars in order to determine the direction of the qiblah in distant lands; to identify the portions of the night and distinguish those that have elapsed from those that remain, since the rulings governing prescribed acts of worship differ accordingly; and to navigate by them through the darkness of land and sea, by distinguishing the stars and knowing their positions to the south or north and the times of their rising and setting. Indeed, this is recommended, for Allah Most High has declared that He created them for this purpose. He, Mighty and Majestic, says:

“And landmarks; and by the stars they find their way.” [al-Nahl: 16]

He also says:

“And it is He who made the stars for you, so that you may be guided by them through the darkness of land and sea.” [al-An‘ām: 97]

As for studying them beyond this, to determine whether the months are short or full without sighting their crescents, this is disliked, because it involves occupying oneself with what is of no concern. For it is not permissible