Lies That Do Not Harm Anyone

Praise be to Allah.

Lying is haram (impermissible) in all cases, expect those which are exempted by the Lawgiver, and what is mentioned here is not one of those cases, because of the general meaning of the evidence, such as the verse in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)” [9:119]. In al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhari and Muslim) and elsewhere it is narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “I urge you to be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man will continue to be truthful and seek to speak the truth until he is recorded with Allah as speaker of truth (siddeeq). And beware of lying, for lying leads to immorality and immorality leads to Hell; a man will continue to tell lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.” And it was narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ood also said: Lying is not appropriate whether in earnest or in jest. Recite if you wish (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)” [9:119]. Then he said: Do you find any concession allowing that to anyone? 

And Allah is the Source of strength. May Allah send blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.