Question:

Assalamualaikum!
in daily life, everyone speak on various topics with different type of people he/she meat...LIEYING is not allowed in Islam but is there any cases for a Muslim when he/she can say lie to someone in case of a trouble or else
What does Quran and Hadiths says about it?
Please provide me the various type of occasions when a muslim is allowed to tell a lie.
Thanks...May Allah bless you
Allah hafiz

Answer

Assalamu alaikum.

Honesty and truthfulness is THE HIGHEST trait of a believer. From Islamic viewpoint, this prioritization is of utmost importance because the prophet (s) himself staked his claim of prophethood before the people of Makkah on the basis of his recognized truthfulness and trustworthiness. Indeed, the Makkan community itself decorated him with the title "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy).

Thus, honesty and truthfulness are among the highest traits of the believers. That is the Islamic norm and those who care about their Akhirah and salvation should take that much seriously.

At the same time, Islam is for the entire humanity consisting of people of faith of different depth and grade. Thus, not everyone can be expected to live up to the highest standard of honesty or truthfulness.

Some exceptions based on real life situation.

1. Threat to life of oneself or others. There is a PERMISSION (not commandment) to avoid speaking the truth, if one's life is endangered. In case, speaking the truth would endanger others' lives (relatives or fellows), one can have even greater leeway.

In Islamic history there were many illustrious personalities who have preferred to speak the truth even over their lives.

2. Some (white) lies are permissible under two conditions: (a) the purpose is reconcilation between people, including the person lying himself and another person. (b) lying does not become habitual.

Some verses from the Qur'an:

"O you who believe! Be careful of your duty to Allah, and be with the TRUTHFUL." [9/at-Tauba/119]

Some Hadiths from the Prophet (s):

"Malik related to me that he heard that Abdullah ibn Masud used to say, "You must tell the truth. Truthfulness leads to right action. Right action leads to the Garden. Beware of lying. Lying leads to corruption, and corruption leads to the Fire. Don't you see that it is said, 'He speaks the truth and acts rightly,' and, 'He lies and is corrupt.'" [Muatta Imam Malik, Book 56, Number 56.7.16]

Narrated Um Kulthum bint Uqba: That she heard Allah's Apostle saying, "He who makes peace between the people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 49, Number 857]

Allah knows best. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.