Deception, Lying and TaqiyyaDoes Islam permit Muslims to lie?
Muslim scholars teach that Muslims should generally be truthful to each other... unless the purpose of lying is to “smooth over differences” or “gain the upper-hand over an enemy.”
There are several forms of lying to non-believers that are permitted under certain circumstances, the best known being taqiyya (the Shia name). These circumstances are typically those that advance the cause of Islam - in some cases by gaining the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them.
Had to look that one up. Thanks.
“Quran
Quran (16:106) - Establishes that there are circumstances that can “compel” a Muslim to tell a lie.
Quran (3:28) - This verse instructs believers not to take those outside the faith as friends, unless it is to “guard themselves” against danger, meaning that there are times when a Muslim may appear friendly to non-Muslims, even though they should not feel friendly.
Quran (9:3) - “...Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters...” The dissolution of oaths is with pagans who remained at Mecca following its capture. They did nothing wrong, but were evicted anyway. (The next verse refers only to those who have a personal agreement with Muhammad as individuals - see Ibn Kathir vol 4, p 49)
Quran (66:2) - “Allah has already ordained for you the dissolution of your oaths...” For today’s reader, the circumstances for betraying your word are not specified, leaving this verse open to interpretation. According to Yusuf Ali in his commentary: “if your vows prevent you from doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons, you should expiate the vow.” (Presumably, whatever advances the cause of Islam would qualify as ‘doing good’).
Quran (40:28) - A man is introduced as a believer, but one who had to “hide his faith” among those who are not believers.
Quran (2:225) - “Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts” (see also 5:89)
Quran (3:54) - “And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.” The Arabic word used here for scheme (or plot) is makara, which means ‘cunning,’ ‘guile’ and ‘deceit’. If Allah is supremely deceitful toward unbelievers, then there is little basis for denying that Muslims are allowed to do the same. (See also 8:30 and 10:21)
Taken collectively these verses are interpreted to mean that there are circumstances when a Muslim may be “compelled” to deceive others for a greater purpose.
Muslim scholars teach that Muslims should generally be truthful to each other... There are several forms of lying to non-believers that are permitted under certain circumstances,...
The Talmud also permits, sometimes even requires, Jews to lie to nonbelievers. For instance, if telling the truth would bring harm or even disrepute to Jews.