Chapter: Situations in Which Lying Is Permissible

Know that although lying is intrinsically forbidden, it is allowed in certain circumstances provided specific conditions are met—conditions I have detailed in my book Al-Adhkar. In summary, speech is merely a means to an end: whenever a praiseworthy objective can be achieved without lying, lying remains prohibited; but if that objective cannot be attained except through lying, then lying becomes permissible. Moreover, if the objective itself is merely permissible, the lie is likewise permissible; if the objective is obligatory, the lie becomes obligatory.

For example, should a Muslim hide from an oppressor who wants to kill him or seize his wealth, or should he conceal his property and someone is questioned about it, it is obligatory to lie in order to protect him. The same ruling applies when a trust is in one’s care and an oppressor seeks to confiscate it: one must lie to safeguard the trust.

The safer course in all such cases is to employ tawriyah (equivocation): to frame one’s words so that they bear a truthful meaning intended by the speaker, even though, on the surface and in the listener’s understanding, they appear false. If, however, a person forgoes tawriyah and speaks an outright lie, it is still not unlawful in this situation.

The scholars base the permissibility of lying here on the hadith of Umm Kulthum—may Allah be pleased with her—who said that she heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ declare: “He is not considered a liar who reconciles between people, conveying good words or speaking well.” Agreed upon.