Islam and Lying

Submitted by Brian (United States), Nov 4, 2010 at 10:29

I have read in the Koran that lying is a sin. I have also read that one can be forgiven of lying if he is lying to an enemy of Islam. Therefore not a sin. If one rejects Islam to save his life but recants for the lie later when he is safe, he has not committed a sin. I have also seen the practice of withholding information during business deals or giving "half truths". An example would be somone selling a car and not disclosing that the transmission needs repair. The belief is that if Allah wants to protect the peson buying the car, he will reveal to the person a need to ask about the transmission. This later point is neither considered lying nor a sin. I realize that like other faiths and cultures, these practices may be mis applied by those who follow closer to situational ethics over the ardent teachings of God's law. Likewise, these many exceptions which are spoken of in the Koran and in the Life and Teachings of Mohamed are poor indicators for supporting truth in Islam.

I am impressed with a story of Mohamed who said that he would not aid some travelers with horses but later gave them camels. The writing indicated that somehow changing your mind or improving the response to a request was somhow lying. An obvious disagreement with Western thought which would have seen it as gracious and generous.

If Allah is the same God of the Christian and Hebrew laws, then He is eternally truthful. Telling the truth is always the best choice. Even telling your enemy the truth will show your enemy God's Glory. Telling the truth to your enemy will expose their wickedness against God's laws. If one lives in God's laws, what has he to hide or of what is he ashamed? No matter the religion or culture, tell the truth.

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