In addition to gossip, Allah warns people against mocking others, miserliness, and arrogance, and also informs us that indulging in them will be compensated with Hell. But a large majority of people have such characteristics and do not regard them as harmful. They think that a murderer, a thief, or a ruthless dictator who carries out massacres is a very bad person, but regard their own moral deficiencies, as described above, as harmless and unimportant. The truth is that all types of immorality will receive their just reward, according to their degree, in Allah's presence. Lying, which is the subject of this website, is something to which people pay little attention. They feign ignorance when others lie and regard themselves as innocent when they do it. This is a characteristic of a large section of humanity. Throughout the world, large numbers of people from every social sector lie from their early years onward for a variety of reasons: to put on a show for others, out of pride, to make others laugh, to ensure a profit for themselves, to protect themselves, and to slander and harm others. Many people lie for very simple reasons or because they have gotten used to it. However, they do not consider doing so a sign of serious immorality, even though Allah has forbidden it and states that liars will be compensated with Hell in the afterlife. This website warns people against lying, which they regard as innocent or harmless, even though it actually represents a very great danger to them, and points out that Allah forbids lying. In addition, it discusses why people lie, how they can give up lying and what they will gain by being honest, the spiritual state of liars, and tactics for protection against lies. In this way, with their tactics and methods exposed, liars will be forced into honesty. |
INTRODUCTION
LYING IS FORBIDDEN
If you obeyed most of those on Earth, they would misguide you from Allah's Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing. (Surat al-An`am, 6:116) Interestingly, most people who come into contact with a liar know when he or she is lying, but do not bother to expose the lies. In other words, they allow the liar to continue spreading his or her lies. Lying is a secret language among people, one about which everybody remains silent.When something valuable is broken, for instance, the person who broke it may lie and deny having done so, thereby saving the day according to his own mentality. In fact, he puts himself in a very bad position, because if it is revealed that he is lying, he will greatly damage the very pride that he is trying to protect. Even more important, he has earned Allah's disapproval. To the same extent that a Muslim avoids eating pork and makes sure to pray five times a day, he is scrupulous about not lying. However, people who do not consider that lying is forbidden immediately resort to lies to protect themselves whenever they find themselves in a difficult position. Maybe at that moment they rescue themselves from what really is a difficult position, or believe that they have done so, but, as unrepentant and dishonest people, they will be held responsible for their lie in the afterlife. Allah tells us in the following verse that those who do not believe in the Qur'an's verses are liars: Those who do not believe in Allah's Signs are merely inventing lies. It is they who are the liars. (Surat an-Nahl, 16:105) Some people lie with great ease because they do not think about the Hereafter or believe that lying causes any harm. An example of this is the expression "white lies," which signifies small untruths that are believed to be innocent and harmless, or that rescue the person from a particular situation. However, any type of lying indicates insincerity, hypocrisy, and falsity under any circumstances, for those who engage in it are deceiving and disrespecting others. For this reason, "white" lies are the same as "black" lies, and have their own harmful effects.Allah has forbidden lying, as has our Prophet (saas), as seen below: |
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| Notes: 1. Imam al-Ghazzali, Ihya Ulum-Id-Din (New Delhi: Islamic Book Services, 2001), 3:121.  2. Sunan Abu Dawud Hadiths. 3. Imam al-Ghazzali, Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, 3:119. |
WHY PEOPLE LIE
Out of pride and conceit: Conceit, one of Satan's characteristics, causes people to distance themselves from upright morality and to adopt a morality resembling that of Satan. Due to his arrogance, self-love, and groundless pride, Satan disobeyed Allah and was thrown out of His sight.Satan, whose pride revealed itself in his clear disobedience and low morality, actually suffered even greater damage to that pride and was cursed, discredited, and dismissed from Allah's presence. In the following verse, Allah tells us that Satan's disobedience only caused him to abase himself: He [Allah] said: "Descend from it. It is not for you to be arrogant in it. So get out! You are one of the abased." (Surat al-A`raf, 7:13) Satan's greatest abasement is that he will live in Hell, where He will be tormented forever, because he set his pride above all else.Satan decided to guide people away from the true path, just as he himself had deviated from it. For this reason, he uses all of his power to entice people into sin. He encourages pride and conceit, just like his own, so that people will end up harming themselves. Due to this attitude, arrogance, self-love, failure to admit errors or defects, and regarding oneself as superior and competent at all times are among the greatest potential dangers facing people. These characteristics always direct people toward sin by causing them to be disobedient, rebellious, ill-tempered, aggressive, cynical, and arrogant. Allah tells us about this: When he is told to heed Allah, he is seized by pride, which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell will be enough for him! What an evil resting-place! (Surat al-Baqara, 2:206) One of the sins to which pride drives people is lying, for most of the time people do not wish to admit certain truths. For example, a person does not want to admit to making a mistake at work, because she does not want others to consider her to be ignorant, clumsy, or somehow lower than her coworkers. Or when she does not want to admit that she forgot to buy something, she says instead: "I went, but there were none left."Even though lying is a curse that makes people fall even lower, some people refuse to understand this truth and so lie right away simply to protect themselves at the given moment. Most of their lies are recognized, and so they fall even lower in other people's esteem. In addition, these people need to remember the "reward" that they will receive in the afterlife: an even lower position. In one verse, Allah warns us against this habit: Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:135) Sincere believers never place their own advantage above Allah's good pleasure and their love of Him. Their love and devotion to Allah prevent them from doing anything that displeases Him. Moreover, if people really want honor and superiority, they should not copy the unbelievers' methods, for as the Qur'an informs us, real superiority is achieved only by following Allah and the Qur'an:All might belongs to Allah, to His Messenger, and the believers. But the hypocrites do not know this. (Surat al-Munafiqun, 63:8) If anyone wants power, all power belongs to Allah. All good words rise to Him, and He raises up all virtuous deeds. But people who plot evil deeds will suffer a harsh punishment. The plotting of such people is profitless. (Surah Fatir, 35:10) Out of habit: A significant number of people are habitual liars, having acquired this habit from others while they were still children or teenagers. For example, many young people lie about where they have been. Alternatively, when people are asked why they somehow did not live up to the other person's expectations, they might lie, sometimes without even thinking, in order to escape the blame. If they were to think a little, they would see that being honest with others would not put them at any disadvantage vis-à-vis others.People also frequently lie when asked for their opinions. Instead of expressing their real ideas, they prefer to say what the other person wants to hear or to give an answer that will suit their personal interests. They do so either out of fear or the desire to win that person's approval. Giving an answer that suits their own interests is widespread among people who are far from religion. They convince themselves that it is only natural to look after their own interests by adopting a defensive mentality. In such a society, this idea is regarded as extremely natural. Indeed, when a believer who lives by the Qur'an's values insists upon observing justice even at the expense of his own interests, unbelievers consider him to be either naive or unsophisticated rather than an exemplar of superior morality. People may classify lies as harmless when they are told to protect their own interests. For instance, when a friend asks for a loan, many people who could provide the loan find ways to avoid doing so by claiming that they are looking for a loan themselves or that business is going badly. This tactic is used to block the other person's request from the outset. Among people who are far from the Qur'an's morality, such behavior is not considered immoral. In addition, it is possible to encounter people who lie out of habit, even if they have no definite aim in mind. Such lies are based mostly on a person's having nothing to talk about or a desire to attract attention. For example, when nobody is paying any attention to them, such people may say that they did not sleep at all, even though they had a perfectly good night's sleep. Or, they might say that they have not eaten all day, instead of only a few hours, or that they have a terrible headache about which they can do nothing, even though the headache is only minor. Even though these lies might be seen as "minor" and "harmless," Allah has told us that all lies, without exception, displease Him. To mock or make other people angry: One reason for lying is to annoy the person addressed or to show him that he is not respected or valued. For example, when asked: "Where have you been?" a person who is late for an appointment may tell a very obvious lie to the person who has been kept waiting. Here, the basic aim is to let the other person know that his having waited is not important, that his wishes have no meaning, and to make him angry by suggesting that he is credulous.Lying in order to mock others is also a widespread form of immorality. For instance, a person who wants to mock one of his friends might convince him that a fictitious event really took place. Believing his lying friend's words, he passes on the "news" to others and, when the truth comes out, is regarded as credulous or stupid. This entertains people who enjoy lying and mocking others. By mocking their friends' credulity and belief in them, such liars consider themselves to be very cunning and intelligent. In reality, however, Allah does not approve of this and the mocker eventually is exposed as a manipulative person who is disliked. He has, therefore, fallen into his own trap, for while trying to demean others he has only demeaned himself. In the following verse, Allah announces that He forbids lying and mocking others: O you who believe! People should not ridicule others who may be better than themselves, nor should any women ridicule other women who may be better than themselves... (Surat al-Hujurat, 49:11) While some people thoughtlessly mock others and lie to entertain themselves for a few minutes, they are really engaging in unacceptable and immoral behavior. When informed of this fact, people who do not adhere to the Qur'an's morality may reply: "So what? We're just enjoying ourselves," thereby refusing to see mocking others and lying as bad characteristics.That these two characteristics are so widespread and are almost habitual to many people does not alter the fact that they violate Islamic morality and that, consequently, such behavior is never permissible. In addition, if such people would just once listen to their consciences and answer honestly if they really want to live surrounded by people just like themselves, they would see the truth. Nobody wants his own bad behavior to be visited upon himself. And, if he is asked whether or not he wants it, he emphatically rejects it. To avoid carrying out a difficult task: People often lie to avoid a difficult task or one that they simply do not want to do. For example, when somebody asks them for help, instead of admitting that they are too lazy or that they do not want to help, they make such untruthful claims as: "I have a lot of work at the moment," "I have a terrible headache," or "I've got a bad back."In contrast, sincere Muslims do not offer such lies and never refuse any request for help or any job because of unwillingness or laziness. Knowing that in the Hereafter they will have to account for each moment of life in this world, sincere Muslims carry out even the most difficult tasks with greater pleasure and zeal. Sometimes, they may really feel tired or unwilling to do certain things. In such circumstances, they need to exercise their willpower and perform these tasks to the best of their ability, instead of lying. For example, if somebody seeks their help when they are engaged in something that they enjoy, they should think of the rewards in the Hereafter and hasten to provide whatever help they can. Those who do not do so, but lie so that they can stay and enjoy the movie, demonstrate their own weak morality. They neither heed their consciences or performing a more useful task. While they may persuade the person seeking help that they are not well and are not in a position to help, and thus cannot sacrifice their own comfort, Allah sees and knows everything. People forget tomorrow much of what they have done today, but Allah forgets nothing and will ask everyone about their deeds and thoughts in the Hereafter. Everything in the heavens and everything in the earth belongs to Allah. Whether you divulge what is in yourselves or keep it hidden, Allah will still call you to account for it. He forgives whoever He wills and He punishes whoever He wills. Allah has power over all things. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:284) To avoid saying: "I don't know": Some people, due to their high self-esteem and belief in their own superiority, try to prove to those around them that they have no faults. They want to show off their knowledge on every subject. For this reason, they will usually provide an answer even if they know nothing about the subject being discussed.Admitting their lack of knowledge is difficult, and they just cannot bring themselves to say: "I don't know. I have no information about that." Most of the time they put themselves in an even more demeaning position, because other people recognize these lies for what they are and know that this lying comes from self-conceit. In one verse, Allah mentions such behavior in clear terms: You are people arguing about something of which you have no knowledge. Why do you argue about something of which you have no knowledge? Allah knows; you do not know. (Surah Al `Imran, 3:66) Such behavior is the result of the "morality" of those people who do not heed the Qur'an. In order to have themselves accepted, respected, and listened to, they resort to methods that the Qur'an declares to be immoral. This practice only engenders trouble, tension, and discomfort in this world, and places their eternal life in great danger. Seeking respect and success in this way is a great error and an act of great ignorance, because the only way to achieve what they want in this world and the next is to conform to the Qur'an's morality.To exaggerate experienced or witnessed events: Some people exaggerate events and describe things they have not seen as though they had witnessed them. While some do so in order to entertain those around them, others have made it a habit. Without even thinking about why they are doing it, they describe every event differently from the way it happened, add details, and exaggerate it.For example, when a car injures somebody slightly, they describe it as an accident that caused a major disaster. When they see a large ship, they describe it as being three or four times as large as it really is. Such exaggeration causes others to discount their words. When people want to obtain opinions on any subject, they go only to those who provide accurate information. Even if such exaggerations are meant to entertain people or as a joke, such behavior is not correct. Those who make such jokes should tell the audience right away, or even at the same time, that they were only telling jokes. Our Prophet (saas) told his Companions not to tell lies, even if they were only meant to be jokes: To do wrong and deceive others: People who do not live out the Qur'an's morality may dislike or envy another person-sometimes even a friend-for very petty reasons. As a result of these illogical and self-generated feelings, they want to take their revenge, to a greater or lesser degree, on such a person, even though they might be friends. For instance, when a liar is going somewhere with his friend, he might not want to tell his friend that his clothing is unsuitable, for that way all of the attention will be on him. In other words, the liar does not want to tell the truth and make his friend look better. Or perhaps when two friends are working on the same task, one does not pass on useful information or even withholds important information on the excuse that: "That's all there is." In this way, her friend's work is slowed down so that she will look better and win the competition. On the other hand, because the believers have great respect and affection for one another, they are invariably helpful and supportive. In fact, they want the better and finer things both for themselves and also for their fellow believers. As a result, they never lie to one another, but always offer help and support from the heart. They try to make their friends' appearance as attractive as possible and do whatever they can to help them in their work. This indicates the believers' sincerity and their close relationship with each other. In a verse, Allah tells us that: ... [Those who] do not find in their hearts any need for what they [their brothers and sisters] have been given and prefer them to themselves, even if they themselves are needy. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Surat al-Hashr, 59:9) To show off: One of the most common reasons for lying is to show off to one another. As Allah tells us in the Qur'an, these people are very prone to boasting and showing off:Know that the life of this world is merely a game and a diversion, ostentation, and a cause of boasting among yourselves, and trying to outdo one another in wealth and children: like the plant-growth after rain that delights the cultivators, but then it withers and you see it turning yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In the Hereafter there is terrible punishment but also forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion. (Surat al-Hadid, 57:20) You are obsessed by greed for more and more until you go down to your graves... (Surat at-Takathur, 102:1-2) When people who are so given to boasting think that they do not have enough to boast about, they resort to lying right away by pointing to things they do not really own. For example, in order to suggest that a perfectly ordinary item is more valuable than it really is, they boast that they paid quite a bit more for it than they actually did. They also exaggerate their position at work by implying that they hold a higher post, one with greater responsibility, than they actually do.They do this in the mistaken belief that they will thereby convince others that they possess the same material or moral characteristics as those people who are respected. And so they present themselves as hardworking, philanthropic, and talented people who care about everything and are ready to take on any responsibility. In the Qur'an, Allah has this to say about such people: Those who exult in what they have done and love to be praised for what they have not done should not suppose that they have escaped the punishment. They will have a painful punishment. (Surah Al `Imran, 3:188) They speak in an exaggerated manner about other people's interest in, or affection for, them. For instance, they claim that their partners have bought them presents, that their coworkers or bosses have taken a special interest in them, and that they have received a salary increase because no one else can do what they do. Young people often say that they are well-known at school and that they are the most popular people in the school or in their class. Some people lie by claiming that on their birthday or a special occasion that their friends or relatives bought them very expensive presents. All of these lies have the same goal: to show off and to convince others that they are highly valued by those close to them. In other words, they want those people who have not received such valuable presents to envy them and covet their possessions. In fact, these are all worldly values that have absolutely no benefit in the Hereafter. Even though people receive the most valuable gifts in this world, their persistence in such unacceptable behavior will cause them to be deprived of all of their possessions in the afterlife. A hadith concerning our Prophet (saas) informs us that a woman exhibited behavior similar to that described above. In order to make someone else unhappy and jealous, she claimed that her husband had done things that he had not done and had bought her presents that he had not bought. When our Prophet (saas) heard of this, he said: Always seeking the approval of anyone other than Allah, they do their best to present a likeable image of themselves to others. They believe that they must promote themselves at all times-a belief that requires a great deal of lying. They feel obliged to adapt everything, from their taste in music to their status at work, to impress other people. But such an attempt ultimately fails, with the result that their lies are exposed; they demean themselves, and they live in a state of constant stress, disappointment, and tension. As a result, they derive no pleasure from what they are saying and find no beauty in it. In addition, since their lies cannot satisfy everyone, they try to appeal to the others and attract their attention as well. This resembles a vicious circle from which nothing emerges and which prevents a sincere, comfortable, and tranquil life. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us about those who take deities other than Himself in the following terms: Allah has made a metaphor for them of a man owned by several partners in dispute with one another and another man wholly owned by a single man. Are they the same? Praise be to Allah! The fact is that most of them do not know. (Surat az-Zumar, 39:29) To ensure advantage and profit: Many people commit sins and behave badly in their quest for profit. Such immoral characteristics as disloyalty, selfishness, aggressiveness, jealousy, hypocrisy, and slyness mostly result from a desire for personal gain. One of the most important reasons why people lie is their ambition for personal advantage and profit.Especially in business, some people believe that lying is absolutely necessary to make a profit. They present their goods as being more valuable than their real worth by lying about the correct price, measure, and amount. In the Qur'an, Allah tells those engaged in business to behave justly and honestly: Give just weight-do not skimp in the balance. (Surat ar-Rahman, 55:9) In another verse, Allah reminds dishonest merchants about the Day of Judgment:Woe to those who defraud [when measuring]! Those who, when they take a measure from people, exact full measure, but when they give them a measure or weight, hand over less than is due. Do such people not realize that they will be raised up on a Terrible Day, the Day mankind will stand before the Lord of all the worlds? (Surat al-Mutaffifin, 83:1-6) People who do not stand in awe of Allah, believe in the afterlife, and doubt its existence and the accounting after death always regard worldly benefits as being the most important and so can easily fall into sin. They do things that may bring them the punishment of Hell just to secure a momentary or minor gain.But those who fear Allah out of their awe for Him and are aware that He is watching and listening to them at all times, always remember that they will have to account for every word and deed in the afterlife. They do not lie, regardless of the consequences; rather, they rely on Allah, and trust Him. Even if they suffer as a result, they know that Allah will help them and ease their lot in unexpected ways. In one verse, Allah promises to send ease after difficulties: Allah does not demand from any self more than He has given it. Allah will appoint, after difficulty, ease. (Surat at-Talaq, 65:7) In this verse, Allah reveals the good news that He will aid those who follow His words and that difficulties will definitely be followed by ease. Those who try to lie their way out of such difficulties, and thus embark upon the path of falsehood, will meet with far greater difficulties and a harsh punishment in the afterlife.Those who follow this path should worry about paying hospital charges for an illness that Allah send to them because of the gains they earned and preserved through indulging in lying and low morality. Or, they should worry that everything they have obtained through lying and deceit will be destroyed by a fire or some other natural catastrophe sent their way by Allah. They should not forget that Allah may test people in this world and direct them toward the Qur'an's morality by means of such tests. As our Prophet (saas) has wisely said: "Falsehood reduces provision."7 In other words, Allah will not bless those who lie and strive for personal gain by cheating others. Rather, He will prevent the comfortable use of what they have gained by sending spiritual and material trials and tribulations. For those who follow His commands, are patient in the face of difficulties, and never deviate from truthfulness and honesty, Allah provides comfort, beauty, and sustenance beyond their hopes, as stated in the following verses: ... [T]hey should carry out the witnessing for Allah. This is admonishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever stands in awe of Allah-He will give him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah-He will be enough for him. Allah always achieves His aim. Allah has appointed a measure for all things. (Surat at-Talaq, 65:2-3) Whooever stands in awe of Allah-He will make matters easy for him. (Surat at-Talaq, 65:4) To win an argument: As Allah tells us, "more than anything else, man is argumentative!" (Surat al-Kahf, 18:54). When a few people come together, usually they compete in making claims about a particular subject, put forward different ideas, and try to make each other accept these ideas. In these arguments, the aim is usually not to learn the truth and reach the best conclusion, but rather to win the argument by convincing others of one's own ideas and ignoring anything that is wrong with them. Even if one of the parties realizes that he is wrong and is thinking incorrectly, he usually will continue arguing out of arrogance, even though his claims bear no relation to the truth. At this point, most people resort to lying. In order to come out on top, they will begin to talk with "certainty" about an event of which they have no certain knowledge and which they have not witnessed or experienced, produce obviously imaginary scenarios to support their claims, or even resort to slander.All of these methods are due to the person's arrogance and concern that people might not see them as they wish to be seen. As stated above, arrogance usually drives people into sin, whereas the best and most noble thing for a person to do is to admit that he is wrong as soon as he realizes it. This is the sign of superior morality, because a person who behaves like this first and foremost accepts what his conscience tells him and behaves in a way of which Allah approves while ignoring other people's ideas and reproaches. Contrary to common belief, such people are valued and exalted by people of intelligence and by Allah. In the Qur'an, Allah advises us as follows: [Believers are] those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad actions-and who can forgive bad actions except Allah?-and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Surah Al `Imran, 3:135) To deceive through "white lies:" Perhaps you have heard people reply, when asked if they ever lie, that they certainly do not lie, but that they see nothing wrong with telling "white lies" when necessary. People who do not follow the Qur'an's morality apply rules according to their own opinion and those of the people around them, and in such a way that their own interests are met in all matters. For example, they admit that theft is sinful but say that it is not sinful if the thief steals out of necessity. Some people who know that gambling is forbidden go ahead and gamble anyway, but believe that it is acceptable because they give their winnings to the poor. However, those who heed Allah and guard against evil do nothing that displeases Him or that He has forbidden. The same is true of lying. Those who try to call lying by another name to soften its meaning may convince other people, but Allah has forbidden people to lie, and that includes white lies. The Qur'an does not accept any of the above rationales for white lies. In addition, those who tell them shape them according to their own opinions about what does and does not constitute a white lie. Of course, their definitions are designed to suit their own advantage. One result of this is that society begins to accept lying as normal, because it gradually begins to count all lies as white lies. For example, a merchant who tries to sell something to a female customer plies her with false courtesy, tells her that she is beautiful when she is not, that she is well dressed when she is not, and that she is talented and intelligent when she really has no talent or intelligence at all. A man who comes home late uses a variety of excuses to avoid annoying his wife. He says that telling his wife the truth would only make her angry, but that when he tells these white lies, he does not make her uncomfortable and creates no trouble between them. People who tell such lies have no love, respect, or devotion for the person to whom they are told. Furthermore, it is obvious that such people are not honest or trustworthy. In conclusion, all lying, no matter what it may be called, has been forbidden by Allah, for it destroys trust and loyalty between people and causes people to live insincere lives. Promising something that the liar knows cannot be performed: The failure to keep one's word is a common occurrence. Of course, when circumstances change, people might be unable to keep their word even though they very much want to do so and had made their promise in all sincerity. However, Allah warns people against making a promise, while knowing that it cannot be kept, to gain another person's fleeting attention or for any other reason, as follows:O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? It is deeply abhorrent to Allah that you should say that which you do not do. (Surat as-Saff, 61:2-3) Be true to Allah's contract when you have agreed to it, and do not break your oaths once they are confirmed and you have made Allah your guarantee. Allah knows what you do. (Surat an-Nahl, 16:91) Fulfill your contracts. Contracts will be asked about. (Surat al-Isra', 17:34) Mehmed Zahid Kotku, one of the twentieth century's leading Islamic scholars, said the following about making such false promises:It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets; and who, despite their love for it, give away their wealth to their relatives, to orphans and the very poor, to travelers and beggars, and to set slaves free; and who perform prayer and give the alms; those who honor their contracts when they make them, and are steadfast in poverty and illness and in battle. Those are the people who are true. They are the people who guard against evil. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:177) [Believers are] those who honor their trusts and their contracts. (Surat al-Mu'minun, 23:8) Out of fear of other people: People also lie when they are nervous about those around them. For example, a child who breaks a vase lies because he is afraid of his mother. A secretary who mixes up files in the office is afraid of her boss and lies to protect herself. On the other hand, believers only fear Allah and think only about whether they will or will not gain His good pleasure. As a result, they tell the truth whatever the circumstances and put their faith in Allah.When, for example, they break a valuable object, those who are nervous about other people shy away from being called clumsy or careless. Since they make the great error of setting other people's ideas about them above Allah's approval, they base their decisions upon acquiring other people's approval and so usually lie to cover up their mistakes. In the Qur'an, Allah warns us that Satan wants people to fear each other and so commands the believers to fear Him alone, as follows: That was only Satan who intimidated his adherents. But do not fear them-fear Me if you are believers. (Surah Al `Imran. 3:175) Is Allah not enough for His servant? Yet they try to scare you with others apart from Him. If Allah does not guide someone, he has no guide. (Surat az-Zumar, 39:36) In another verse, Allah refers to the believers as those who "do not fear the blame of any censurer" (Surat al-Ma'ida, 5:54). In all circumstances, the believers rely on and trust Allah and behave according to His will, not according to the opinions of other people.Fearing other people and not doing what is right is a kind of idolatry, for this involves regarding another person or creature as Allah's equal or superior (Allah is surely beyond that), and thus, in effect, granting this creature the status of a deity. Those who are nervous of others and behave according to that person's wishes fall into the trap of idolatry. The believers are aware of this truth and so worship only Allah. The Qur'an relates the words of one believer, as follows: Am I to take as deities instead of Him those whose intercession, if the All-Merciful desires harm for me, will not help me at all and cannot save me? In that case, I would clearly be misguided. (Surah Ya Sin, 36:23-24) As we can see, nobody can harm anybody else or say even one word to another person without Allah's permission. For this reason, fearing other people and lying is idolatry, a sin Allah will not forgive (Surat an-Nisa', 4:48). Given this, people who lie because they are nervous of others should repent and take refuge in Allah, because they have sinned and fallen into idolatry. |
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| 4. Sunan Abu Dawud Hadiths. 5. Imam al-Ghazzali, Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, 3:115. 6. Sahih Muslim, The Book Pertaining to Clothes and Decoration, Chapter 27, Book 024, No. 5312. 7. Imam al-Ghazzali, Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, 3:120. 8. Mehmed Zahid Kotku, Tasavvufi Ahlak 5 (Sufist Morality 5) (Istanbul: Seha Publications), 166. |
ALLAH SEES, KNOWS, AND HEARS EVERYTHING
They try to conceal themselves from people, but they cannot conceal themselves from Allah. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:108)
However, liars cannot achieve their aims, because their intelligence and faith are inadequate, and because they believe that they have protected themselves when they deceive other people. In fact, such people can neither harm nor benefit themselves.Believers who are aware of this truth should not forget that every word, every thought, and every concealed thing is known to Allah, and that they have to behave at every moment with the awareness of this fact. Certain verses, some of which are mentioned below, state this truth:
Do you not see that Allah knows what is in the heavens and on Earth? Three men cannot confer together secretly without Him being the fourth of them, or five without Him being the sixth of them, or fewer than that or more without Him being with them wherever they are. Then He will inform them on the Day of Rising of what they did. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Surat al-Mujadala, 58:7)
He knows the eyes' deceit and what people's breasts conceal. (Surah Ghafir, 40:19)
Do they not know that Allah knows what they keep secret and what they make public? (Surat al-Baqara, 2:77)
Allah-Him from Whom nothing is hidden, either on Earth or in Heaven. (Surah Al 'Imran, 3:5)
He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He knows what you keep secret and what you make public, and He knows what you earn. (Surat al-An`am, 6:3)
LYING IS COOPERATION WITH SATAN
Satan: The first liar In the Qur'an, Allah informs us about some of Satan's characteristics:He only commands you to do evil and indecent acts and to say about Allah what you do not know. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:169) Lying is one of the bad effects that Satan has on people. Satan convinces people that lying is an easy way out of their problems and so inspires them to adopt that forbidden habit. People with weak faith listen to his whispers. Abdul Qadir al-Jaylani, the eleventh century Muslim thinker, drew attention to Satan's ability to make lies attractive with these words: "What has Satan not done to you? He has made you love lies. He has made evil acts seem attractive to you."9 Another of Satan's characteristics is that he was the first liar. After Allah created Adam (as), the first man, He commanded all of the angels to prostrate to him. All of the angels obeyed Allah's command, but out of arrogance and jealousy, Satan (Iblis) did not obey. And so Allah dismissed him from His presence and told him that he would be one of those who earned the eternal torment of Hell in the Hereafter. Satan swore to divert people from Allah's path, and started by trying to deceive Adam (as) and Eve, his wife, by lying to them. Allah informs us of these lies in the following verses: Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to them their private parts, which had been concealed from them. He said: "Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree, lest you become angels or among those who live forever." He swore to them: "I am one of those who give you good advice." (Surat al-A`raf, 7:20-21) Satan deceived Adam (as) and Eve by lying. In addition, he presented himself as extremely well-intentioned and said that he had done them a favor by giving advice, a "fact" upon which he swore an oath. As we have seen, swearing oaths and claiming to be well-intentioned would later come to be among all liars' most defining characteristics.In another verse, Allah informs us that Satan makes many promises to people, even though he cannot fulfill them: When the affair is decided, Satan will say: "Allah made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I made you a promise but broke my promise. I had no authority over you, except that I called you and you responded to me. Do not, therefore, blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot come to your aid nor you to mine. I reject the way you associated me with Allah before." The wrongdoers will have a painful punishment. (Surah Ibrahim, 14:22) Satan lies all the time While deciding or thinking about something, people listen to both the voice of their conscience and the whispers of Satan. Believers who possess wisdom and a conscience, who believe in Allah and the Hereafter, listen to the voice of their conscience. Most others listen to the voice of Satan, even though everything he says is a lie. For example, by telling a person who wants to help the poor: "If you give this money to them, your own cash will be reduced and you will have no security if something goes wrong in the future," Satan tries to prevent them from performing good deeds. Satan lies because whenever people do good deeds, Allah is their helper and friend. Moreover, Allah is the One Who provides their sustenance. People can try as much as they like to protect their money by being as miserly as they wish, but they can obtain a profit only if Allah wills it.Satan tells those who intend to begin establishing prayers in accordance with their conscience such things as: "Whatever happens, you can establish prayer in the future when you get old. It doesn't matter if you don't establish prayer now." This is a blatant lie, because nobody knows how long they will live or when and where they will die. Therefore, instead of postponing a good act, a person should perform it right away. Satan also deceives a wrongdoer with empty promises and lies. He says to a thief, for instance, things like: "You're in need. What's wrong with your stealing this? Nobody is watching you anyway. This can't be counted as theft, because it's something trivial." In reality, even if nobody sees and notices, Allah is watching and listening at all times. In the Qur'an, Allah warns people against Satan and tells us that he deceives people and that those who are deceived will wind up in Hell: He makes promises to them and fills them with false hopes. But what Satan promises them is nothing but delusion. The shelter of such people will be Hell. They will find no way to escape from it. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:120-21) Another one of Satan's lies is that they can sin now and repent later. A lot of people fall into this trap. In reality, however, this is just another lie, because Allah informs us that He does not accept the repentance of those who only repent when death comes to them. Committing any sin with the intention to postpone one's repentance is a great insincerity, and a path fraught with peril, for who knows when death will come? Allah informs us of this in the following Qur'anic verse:There is no repentance for people who persist in doing evil until death comes to them and who then say: "Now I repent," nor for people who die as unbelievers. We have prepared for them a painful punishment. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:18) For those who can see Satan's lies and avoid them, the only solution is to know and live the Qur'an's morality. Doing so will allow them to clearly see Satan's lies and insincerities, as well as those of their own selves and of other people, and so they will be able to avoid these. In the Qur'an, Allah informs us that, for believers, Satan's scheming is very feeble:Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan's scheming is always feeble. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:76) Lying demonstrates devotion to Satan Lies and empty promises are among Satan's most defining traits. Given that he is the source of all lying in people, any person who lies is listening to Satan at that moment and showing his or her devotion to him. The reason for this devotion is explained in the following verses:What they call on apart from Him [Allah] are female idols. What they call on is an arrogant Satan whom Allah has cursed. He [Satan] said: "I will take a certain fixed proportion of Your servants." (Surat an-Nisa', 4:117-18) Nobody wants to admit that he or she serves Satan or shows devotion to him. However, those who spend their lives ignoring their conscience and heeding the voice of Satan, which is always within them, are always true to Satan. In the Qur'an, Allah gives us the following information about such people:If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of the All-Merciful, We assign him a devil who becomes his bosom friend-they debar them from the path, yet they still think they are guided-so that, when he reaches Us, he says: "If only there was the distance of the two Easts between you and me!" What an evil companion! It will not benefit you today, since you did wrong, that you share equally in the punishment. (Surat az-Zukhruf, 43:36-39) One of Satan's most telling characteristics is his constant belief that he is always right. Therefore, he incites those people to whom he speaks to believe that they are always right as well. As we can see in the verses above, Satan's friends believe that they are guided.People who lie always see justice and truth in themselves. They believe that their lies are told for a very good reason. When such people say that they are admitting their lies, they are serious only on a few minor points and insist on not admitting any others, for they have not abandoned their devotion to Satan. Many people who read these lines may be unable to properly imagine what devotion to Satan is. Those who are loyal to Satan are bound to their ego, pride, personal interests, and wishes. Thus, they evade justice and truth. Satan deceives people through such weaknesses, and uses various methods to divert them from Allah's path. Given this, those who do not behave honestly and confess their lies are serving Satan and displaying their attachment to him. This means that Satan can deceive such people on matters other than lying, thereby binding them to himself because their self is not strong enough to make them abandon their lies and adopt the Qur'anic morality. After a while, Satan can prevent them from getting up for morning prayers, behaving in a self-sacrificing way, and performing those tasks of which Allah approves. Consequently, people need to sever all ties with Satan. A lot of people think that heeding Satan from time to time is harmless. In fact, this is one of Satan's methods. He accepts those who follow him on one point, even though they conform to Allah's will on every other matter. For example, if such people cannot exercise their willpower in order to stop lying, this is a gain for Satan. Those who obey Allah and show their devotion to Him at every moment hope that He will be pleased with them. If they perform all types of worship, sacrifice themselves, and show steadfast morality while still being capable of lying, they are nevertheless showing their devotion to Satan in at least one area of life. Allah informs people of an important truth in the following verse: They assign to Allah a share of the crops and livestock He has created, saying: "This is for Allah,"-as they allege-"and this is for our idols." Their idols' share does not reach Allah, whereas Allah's share reaches their idols! What an evil judgment they make! (Surat al-An`am, 6:136) Allah informs people who assign a share of their possessions to Him and a share to their idols that they have made an evil judgment. People who adhere to the morality and faith of which Allah approves can never give any of their devotion or obedience to Satan, for such sincere believers conform to His will at all times. They place Allah's will and mercy, as well as Paradise, above any advantage that they might obtain by lying. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that religion belongs only to Him:Indeed is the sincere religion not Allah's alone? People who take protectors besides Him [say]: "We only worship them so that they may bring us nearer to Allah." Allah will judge between them regarding the things about which they differed. Allah does not guide anyone who is an ungrateful liar. (Surat az-Zumar, 39:3) In addition, sincere and obedient believers never engage in behavior that would justify Satan, because Satan has said that a great majority of people will follow him. Thus, he has started a war against the path of Allah, and the more people who follow him, the greater he believes his victory to be. Allah tells us about this satanic logic in the following verses:Iblis was correct in his assessment of them and they followed him, except for a group of the believers. He had no authority over them, except to enable Us to know those who believe in the Hereafter from those who are in doubt about it. Your Lord is the Preserver of all things. (Surah Saba', 34:20-21) As can be seen in Allah's verses, Satan is greatly deceived. He believes that he gains by drawing people to his side. In fact, he can divert as many people as he likes, but he will never gain anything from doing so. He will live in the torment of Hell for eternity, along with those whom he deceived. In addition, he plans his activities without realizing that he has already fallen into a very big plan devised by Allah. As Allah informs us in the verses above, He allows Satan to separate good people from bad people. In other words, Satan is only a tool for testing people in this worldly life, a means of revealing people's true faces, and thus has no authority over people. However, he will not benefit in any way even if he leads countless people away from Allah's path. On the contrary, he will only ensure that more people are driven into Hell along with him.Regardless of how deft Satan's methods are, the believers never engage in any behavior that would justify them. They behave and speak in such a way that they always show clearly and definitely that they are on Allah's side. According to their lives and their speech, as described in the Qur'an, the Prophets are the best example of this. They always made Allah their Friend and Protector, and were Satan's greatest enemies. Allah states the difference between those who believe and those who do not in the following terms: Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He brings them out of the darkness into the light. But those who do not believe have false deities as protectors. They take them from the light into the darkness. Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:257) |
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| 9. 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Ilahi Armagan (Divine Gift), trans. Abdulkadir Akcicek (Ankara: Rahmet Publications, 1962), 2:16. |
THE LIAR'S DARK SPIRITUAL STATE
Liars try to persuade themselves that their lies are true One of the liars' strangest aspects is their attempt to persuade themselves, even while they are lying, to believe their own lies. For instance, a person who tells a pack of lies about his family, his job, and his social life is gradually affected by these lies and starts living in a world of his own invention. He behaves as if the lies told are true, thinking that doing so will make them more persuasive.When a person tries her hardest to persuade others that she is telling the truth, it means that she is trying to cover up certain deficiencies or a bad conscience. For example, a person who says that she cannot do something persuades herself that her lie is true. Although she can do it, she gives many reasons why she cannot. Or, if a friend wants to borrow an article of clothing from her, she lies about why she cannot lend it and tries to convince herself that she is telling the truth. No matter how insistent the request may be, she continues to assert the truth of her words, even though she is well aware that she is lying. All liars, regardless of their level of self-persuasion, know that they are lying. The Qur'an confirms this fact in the verses given below: In fact, man will be clear proof against himself in spite of any excuses he might offer. (Surat al-Qiyama, 75:14-15) Despite all of his stupidity, a liar believes himself to be clever All liars consider themselves to be very clever, for they believe that they have deceived others and, as a result, have gained some benefit. Satan continually incites them to lie and to take pride in their lies, even though doing so will deprive them of other people's affection and respect. By exalting themselves, they are in reality only demeaning themselves, for they are gradually revealing themselves as the liars that they really are. Habitual liars seek to benefit from the fact that others do not know what they are thinking. However, they soon begin to experience great problems, among them having to live in fear that their lies will be discovered and that people will no longer pay any attention to them. They can never achieve the internal tranquility of an honest person. In addition, they will feel great regret in the afterlife, just as they do in this worldly life, for each one of their lies. At that time, they will understand better who is intelligent and who is not, and they will see that their lies have brought them no benefit. In one verse, Allah tells us about the deception in which such people find themselves, as follows: Do you not see those who claim to be purified? No, Allah purifies whoever He wills. They will not be wronged by so much as the smallest speck. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:49) Habitual liars feel no shame When some of their lies are uncovered, habitual liars feel no shame. On such occasions, they actually tell even more lies to save face. However, believers have a feeling of decency. They feel ashamed of following Satan and lying even if they have done so by mistake, blush, repent immediately, ask Allah for forgiveness, and tell the truth.Liars feel no trust, affection, or respect for others People do not lie to those whom they trust, love, and respect, whatever the circumstances may be. In true sincerity, believers share their opinions in the most open fashion by expressing only their true thoughts. For example, sincere people are not afraid to say that they dislike something if that is their true opinion, because even the slightest lie or insincere behavior makes their conscience uncomfortable. If they find themselves in this situation, they immediately try to compensate for it.In contrast, those who do not follow the Qur'anic morality frequently lie to their spouses, children, friends, relatives, partners, and each other. They even lie to those people whom they consider to be the closest to them. This is one indication that people who do not conform to the Qur'an's morality do not feel genuine affection and sincerity. Liars think only of this moment The most important thing that prevents believers from lying to others is what will happen to them after they die, when they have to face their eternal life. To lie one's way out of a difficult position may be seen as the most simple and beneficial solution at that moment. However, no situation in this world can compare to the situation waiting for liars in the Hereafter. Given this, those who have wisdom and a conscience should think about the reward that they will receive in the Hereafter whenever they find themselves in difficult situations and behave accordingly. They should always remember that they may be disgraced and live in torment in this world and the next for the sake of a momentary comfort or benefit. In one verse, Allah states those who abandon the Hereafter for the sake of this worldly life will face a severe punishment:Those are the people who trade the Hereafter for this world. The punishment will not be lightened for them. They will not be helped. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:86) |
HOW LIARS DECEIVE THEMSELVES
In addition, people need to know and recognize the camouflage used by liars so that in the event that they lie, they will be unable to deceive themselves.
Those who claim to lie with good intentions
The best known method people use to deceive themselves is the claim that they have good intentions. For example, everyone criticizes and condemns those who gossip. But those who gossip claim that they do so only with the best of intentions, and so such talk is harmless. A large proportion of liars make the same claim: They have no evil purpose in mind, but are merely lying to defend themselves or to comfort another person. For example, a child who skips school claims that he lies to his mother so that she will not get angry.Some people say that they lie because they are afraid of losing the love and trust of those close to them. For instance, people who are unsuccessful at work lie to hide their failure in a self-proclaimed attempt to avoid losing other people's respect. Such people try to persuade themselves and those around them that such lies are harmless, since they have good intentions. In fact, in the Qur'an Allah points to those who display a low morality while claiming to have good intentions:
How will it be when a disaster strikes them because of what they have done, and then they come to you swearing by Allah: "We desired nothing but good and reconciliation"? Allah knows what is in such people's hearts. So turn away from them, warn them, and speak to them with words that have effect. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:62-63)
Such people make the same claim even as the angels come to take them in death and even though they are bound for Hell. In short, they continue to pose as good people.As for those the angels take in death while they are wronging themselves, they will offer their submission: "We did not do any evil." Oh yes you did! Allah knows what you were doing. (Surat an-Nahl, 16:28)
Those who claim that their lies are innocent and minor
Another method of self-deception is the attempt to compare themselves favorably with great frauds and liars in order to convince themselves that their own lies are minor and harmless. Or, they try to diminish their lies by considering them to be innocent and harmless. For example, a child buys something with her mother's money and does not give her the change, claiming that she received none. While the child might think that this is a harmless lie, in reality there are no "minor" and "major" lies, for in the Qur'an Allah orders people to "have done with telling lies" (Surat al-Hajj, 22:30).Believing they will not be responsible for lies so long as no oath is sworn
A major and quite frequent mistake made by people who do not follow the Qur'anic morality is the belief that they are not responsible for their lies if no oath was made. In addition, when some people are lying, their strange and superstitious actions (e.g., lifting one foot or crossing their fingers) are a sign that such people are truly "ignorant," in the sense that they have no understanding of true morality. To believe that these and other such simple games protect them against sinful acts and absolves them from responsibility in the afterlife makes it clear for all to see that such people do not appreciate Allah as they should. Like a number of false beliefs, such deceitful rationales have no basis in reason or religion. Allah explains it in the Qur'an, as follows:What is the matter with you? On what basis do you judge? Or do you have a Book that you study so that you may have anything in it you choose? Or do you have oaths that bind Us, extending to the Day of Rising, that you will have whatever you decide? (Surat al-Qalam, 68:36-39)
Trying to cover up one lie with another
Liars are usually caught in their lies. However, because they do not behave according to their conscience, they usually tell another lie to protect themselves from a previous one. Thus, they gradually create a chain of lies. For instance, in order to protest against a friend who has warned him to act in a better way, a person remains silent. When his friend asks why he does not answer, instead of saying that it was a protest, for which he apologizes and regrets, he replies: "I was thinking of something else, and so I didn't reply." When asked what he was thinking about, he lies yet again, for he had stayed quiet only to protest against his friend's words and to annoy him.All liars continually plan and calculate, and so none of their behavior or speech is natural, straightforward, sincere, or honest.
Claiming that lying is necessary to defend one's self against other people
Sometimes, liars blame the people to whom they are talking for their lies, claiming that they were afraid that these people might harm them in some way. They do this in order to arouse people's pity so that they can justify their lies. For example, when she loses money that has been entrusted to her, she claims that she neither saw nor received it. Or, when he cannot perform an assigned task, he just tells a string of lies about it, such as he had a number of problems and therefore could not do the job and then goes on to describe a number of imaginary events. When his lies are revealed, he says that he lied in order to protect himself.In contrast, believers fear only Allah and so always tell the truth. Those who fear other people more than they fear Allah do not stay within the boundaries established by Him, and so are able to lie with ease. Even when, as often happens, they are not going to be harmed by other people, their own arrogance encourages them to deny what they have failed or forgotten to do by making excuses. Liars think only about their image in the eyes of others, all the while forgetting that what should really matter to them is Allah's will and mercy, as well as Paradise.
Those who trust in their innocent and childlike appearances
One's physical appearance also can be quite deceiving. Even though some people outwardly appear to be innocent and childlike, this is no indication that they really are so. The truly innocent are those who conform to the Qur'an, hold Allah in awe, and take refuge in Him. Some people believe that an innocent and childlike appearance will protect them in the Hereafter, for if they can deceive people here, why not in the Hereafter? This delusion causes them to believe that they can present themselves as well-meaning people in the Hereafter.In reality, these people might convince a number of others of their innocence in this worldly life. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, a lot of people will accept them as honest people, even when they actually are lying. But Allah knows every person's heart and innermost thoughts. People can hide whatever they like from others, but can keep no secrets from Allah. All of their secrets will be exposed in the Hereafter.
There, no trace will remain of their innocent and childlike worldly appearance, for their faces will clearly display their immorality. Thus, such people should not be deceived by the simple, innocent faces that they see in the mirror; rather, they should avoid immorality and all behavior that is contrary to the Qur'an. In one verse, Allah tells us this:
But as for those who have earned bad actions-a bad action will be repaid with one the like of it. Debasement will darken them. They will have no one to protect them from Allah. It is as if their faces were covered by dark patches of the night. Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surah Yunus, 10:27)
Those who believe they will be excused if they tell a lie and repent later
Yet another method of self-deception is that liars' claim that they can save themselves by repenting at some point in the future. Of course Allah accepts repentance and forgives sins. However, one's repentance must be the result of a feeling of regret and the decision to avoid committing that particular sin in the future. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that:Allah only accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and then quickly repent after doing it. Allah turns toward such people. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. There is no repentance for people who persist in doing evil until death comes to them and who then say: "Now I repent," nor for people who die as unbelievers. We have prepared for them a painful punishment. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:17-18)
As Allah tells us in these verses, lying with the self-deluding claim of repentance at some unspecified point in the future is no more than a clear manifestation of great insincerity.Conclusion
As Allah tells us in the Qur'an, "in fact, man will be clear proof against himself in spite of any excuses he might offer" (Surat al-Qiyama, 75:14-15). Whatever excuses people put forward, they know very well that lying is dishonest and immoral. They might convince others that they are justified or innocent, but Allah sees everything and, most importantly, knows all that they have said and their true reasons for saying it, as well as what is going on within them and their hidden thoughts.Though you speak out loud, He knows your secrets and what is even more concealed. Allah, there is no god but Him. The Most Beautiful Names are His. (Surah Ta Ha, 20:7-8)
HOW LIARS SPEAK AND BEHAVE
Liars try to persuade others by continually swearing oaths
Insincere people frequently swear oaths in order to make others believe them. Allah points out this striking characteristic in several verses of the Qur'an. For example, He tells us that individual hypocrites swore an oath that they believed our Prophet (saas) to be a true Prophet, when in fact they did not accept him as a Prophet at all. Thus, Allah informs us that they were liars:When the hypocrites come to you, they say: "We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah." Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are certainly liars. They have made their oaths into a cloak and barred the Way of Allah. What they have done is truly evil. That is because they have believed and then returned to unbelief. So their hearts have been sealed up, and they cannot understand. (Surat al-Munafiqun, 63:1-3)
Hypocrites use their oaths as a shield against their own lying, falsehood, and trickery. Allah also reveals this characteristic in another verse:They swear by Allah that they are of your number, but they are not of your number. Rather, they are people who are scared. (Surat at-Tawba, 9:56)
In another verse, Allah draws our attention to people who continually swear oaths:But do not obey any vile swearer of oaths. (Surat al-Qalam, 68:10)
Apart from swearing oaths, liars often use words that refer to their being religious. For example, when they are told that their lies are not believed or that people doubt what they say, they use expressions such as "Allah knows my heart," "Allah is my witness," or "If I am not telling the truth, let Allah accuse me." In fact, many insincere people use just such expressions to conceal their true nature.In the following verse, Allah mentions such people who, despite the insincerity in their hearts, call upon Him to witness their words:
Among the people there is someone whose words about the life of this world excite your admiration, and he calls Allah to witness what is in his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of adversaries. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:204)
The believers' sincerity and honesty is reflected in their condition and behavior. Those who always behave sincerely do not need to proclaim their sincerity and honesty, because those around them have already noticed these characteristics. However, those who are insincere continually try to show their sincerity through their words and actions.Liars use introductory phrases to prepare the ground for a lie
In addition to using oaths and religious expressions, liars prepare the ground for their lies and try to make them persuasive right from the start. Phrases like "I am speaking very sincerely," "You can believe me," "I say this with all my heart," and "I am really telling the truth" are mostly used for this purpose.As we saw earlier, when the hypocrites said that our Prophet (saas) was Allah's Messenger, they began by saying: "We bear witness that..." Since they were not sincere, they used this phrase as a prop to make themselves appear more convincing. In fact, the believers already know that our Prophet (saas) was Allah's messenger, and thus there is no need for such introductory phrases. Those who believe this truth sincerely feel no need to use such expressions. To put it another way, believers regard such statements as unnecessary, because their words are always heartfelt and sincere. Knowing that Allah is always watching and listening, they avoid all forms of insincerity and hypocrisy.
Of course, using such phrases does not mean that those who use them are automatically liars, for sincere people may use them if the situation calls for such phrases. But among liars, using expressions that introduce or support their lies is very widespread.
The liars' physical appearance and certain aspects of their behavior
The liars' behavior, facial expressions, voice, and methods mark them out as two-faced and dishonest people, for they in no way resemble those who are honest and sincere. In fact, these negative characteristics can actually give liars away. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us how to recognize two-faced people from their words and facial expressions:If We wished, We would show them to you and you would know them by their mark and know them by their ambivalent speech. Allah knows your actions. (Surah Muhammad, 47:30)
Liars do not trust those around them, which means that they do not regard them as their true friends and associates. Since they live among people from whom they feel alienated and toward whom they feel no attachment, and because they fear that their lies will be exposed, they do not act comfortably and naturally. Their speech, voice, and posture are carefully controlled. Due to their state of continual tension, their voices are weak and their eyes are narrow. They regard the people around them with nervousness. And, their facial expressions and body language clearly reveal their insincerity, untrustworthiness, and discontent.While habitual liars may sometimes appear extremely calm, many people become nervous when they lie. For example, their hands sweat, they display uncomfortable behavior, and they are not calm and tranquil like the believers. When they are lying, their eyes are shifty and they cannot look into your eyes. In crowded places, they try to hide behind others. They are nervous because their eyes will give them away and their lies will be discovered.
In the Qur'an, Allah states that insincere people try to conceal themselves in this way:
See how they wrap themselves around, trying to conceal their feelings from Him! No, indeed! When they wrap their garments around themselves, He knows what they keep secret and what they make public. He knows what their hearts contain. (Surah Hud, 11:5)
Many liars give themselves away by particular actions, such as wandering eyes, staring at the ground, and continually shuffling one's feet or shaking one's head while speaking. At the bottom of such mannerisms is the tension and lack of calm that they feel due to their awareness of their own insincerity and duplicity.
THE LOSSES OF LIARS
They may have protected themselves from physical exhaustion with this lie, but this momentary benefit, when considered in terms of a person's eternal life, is really harmful. A few minutes of rest or an escape from work secured by lying causes the loss of an advantageous reward in the afterlife; in fact, it brings about eternal harm. Given that liars cannot understand and calculate such things due to their lack of true intelligence, they will suffer great losses in this world and the next. In the Qur'an, Allah addresses them in the following terms: Shown by their arrogance in the land and evil plotting. But evil plotting envelops only those who do it. Do they expect anything but the pattern of previous peoples? You will not find any changing in the pattern of Allah. You will not find any alteration in the pattern of Allah. (Surah Fatir, 35:43) Liars devise plots in order to deceive others, to justify themselves, or to protect their advantages. And yet they always end up falling into their own traps and losing a great deal. Some of these losses are as follows:The trust of others: Since all liars give themselves away sooner or later, they lose other people's trust and respect. Even when they are telling the truth, they are regarded with suspicion. They are entrusted with nothing, and nobody wants to do business with them. Unable to make sincere and honest friends, people act carefully around them. Imam al-Ghazali calls lying "the mother of all great sins" and continues: Whenever their lies come to light, the liars are belittled: While liars strive to exalt themselves and protect their pride, they show to everybody their extremely low character. Imam Rabbani explains the situation in which liars find themselves, as follows: The thoughtlessness of liars is revealed in their inability to foresee the potential results of their lying: 1. By lying, they fail the test that Allah sent them. 2. They lag behind in good tasks which will probably earn them a reward. 3. They eventually bring harm to whatever they pursue, such as rank, position, and superiority. 4. Most importantly, they endanger their eternal life in the Hereafter. If they tell the truth, regardless of the possible negative consequences, they show their lack of desire to achieve a particular position or superiority. Indeed, admitting their mistake and confessing their impotence will attract the compassion and trust of others. In addition, by listening to their conscience because of their fear and awe of Allah, they will defeat Satan and rescue themselves from the troubled and confused conscience that comes from lying. Definitely, their largest gain will be their earning of Allah's good pleasure and of approaching Paradise's great salvation. The fundamental loss of people who persist in lying will occur in the Hereafter. People who do not recognize the boundaries established by Allah and lie in order to obtain a small gain or a momentary pleasure in this life, and who regard doing so as unimportant, should be aware that such an attitude will earn them the punishment of Hell in the afterlife. Ultimately, everyone who engages in evil deeds only harms himself or herself, for as the Qur'an states: If anyone commits an evil action, the responsibility for it is his alone. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:111) They think they deceive Allah and those who believe. They deceive no one but themselves, but they are not aware of it. There is a sickness in their hearts, and Allah has increased their sickness. They will have a painful punishment on account of their denial. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:9-10) Whoever acts rightly, it is to his own good. Whoever does evil, it is to his detriment. Your Lord does not wrong His servants. (Surah Fussilat, 41:46) |
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| 10. Al Hafiz ibn al-Dayba al-Shaybani, Taysir al-'usul ilaJami al-'usul, 10:6. 11. Imam Rabbani, Letters Bearing Good News, 11th ed. (Istanbul: Hakikat Publishing, 1994), 262 . |
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