actions anymore. This is despite the fact that all of these actions please Satan and negatively impact one’s Hereafter. Another prevalent form of lying is to give false testimonies in court. This is the most dangerous form of lying because it ruins people’s rights and honour, as well as disrupt social harmony.

The Greatest and Final Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Giving a false testimony is like associating partners with Allah Almighty.”^[1]

Taking false oaths is another evil habit. Unfortunately, those who take false oaths and gain some worldly success are praised in society, whereas those who always tell the truth are considered foolish. Truth is perceived as an obstacle in the way of progress and success, which is perhaps why these evil habits are so prevalent. Here are two narrations regarding this:

1.   The Greatest Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Associating partners with Allah Almighty, disobeying parents, killing someone, and taking false oaths are major sins.”^[2]

2.   Whoever appropriates the right of a Muslim by taking a (false) oath, Allah Almighty will make Hell necessary for him and declare Paradise forbidden for him. The Companions رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُم asked, “O Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! Even if it is something insignificant?” The Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, “Even if it is the twig of the arak tree.”^[3]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers, lying is impermissible and a sin, but there are some scenarios in which the shariah has permitted lying due to necessity, in which case it will not be a sin. However, if something good can be acquired by either telling the truth or lying, it is forbidden to lie.