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Most Muslims are familiar with the principles and concepts of Islam that
justify lying in situations where they sense the need to do so. Principals
taught by Muhammad such as “War is deception”, “The
necessities justify the forbidden”, and, “If faced by two
evils, choose the lesser of the two”, are derived from passages in
the Qur’an and the Hadith. But when confronted with writings of their
own revered scholars on the subject of dishonesty, Muslims hold true to
form and in the spirit of what they know is allowed, …will lie about
lying. An example of Islamic deception is that Muslim activists always
quote the passages of the Qur’an from the early part of Mohammed's
ministry while living in Mecca. These texts are peaceful and exemplify
tolerance towards those that are not followers of Islam. All the while,
they are fully aware that most of these passages were abrogated (cancelled
and replaced) by passages that came after he migrated to Medina. Another
example is in the conduct of Saudi Arabia in the war on terror. Words of
support and promises of reform flow easily to Americans, but actions to
date demonstrate they are only words, meant for our consumption only.
Unfortunately, passages from the Qur’an clearly reveal that lying is
permitted, particularly in reference to non-believers in conflict with
Muslims. It is also clear that if forced to do so, Muslims may lie under
oath and can even falsely deny faith in Allah, as long as they maintain
the profession of faith in their hearts. In the Qur’an, Allah says: "Allah
will not call you to account for thoughtlessness (vain) in your oaths, but
for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most
Forbearing." Surah 2:225. The principal also has support in the
Qur’an 3:28 and 16:106.
In the Hadith, Mohammed emphasizes the same concept. From "Ehiaa
Oloum al-Din," by the famous Islamic scholar al-Ghazali, Vol. 3:
PP.284-287:
One of Mohammed's daughters, Umm Kalthoum,
testified that she had never heard the Apostle of Allah condone lying,
except in these three situations: 1) For reconciliation among people. 2)
In war. 3) Amongst spouses, to keep peace in the family.
One passage from the Hadith quotes Mohammed as saying: "The sons of
Adam are accountable for all lies except those uttered to help bring
reconciliation between Muslims." The following quote
demonstrates the broadness of situations in which the prophet permitted
lying. "The sons of Adam are accountable for all lies with these
exceptions: During war because war is deception, to reconcile among two
quarreling men, and for a man to appease his wife." Considering that
Islam has been in a perpetual state of war with non-believers, it appears
there is neither accountability nor any practical limitation to deceiving
non-Muslims.
The Arabic word, "Takeyya", means "to prevent," or
guard against. The principle of Al-taqiyya (also
called taqiah, Al-takeyya, Al-taqiyah, or kitman)
conveys the understanding that Muslims are permitted to lie as a
preventive measure against anticipated harm to one's self or fellow
Muslims. This principle gives Muslims the liberty to lie under
circumstances that they perceive as life threatening. They can even deny
the faith, if they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-taqiyya is
based on the following Quranic verse:
"Let not the believers Take for friends or
helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will
there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution (prevention), that
ye may Guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.) But
Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to
Allah." Surah 3: 28
According to this verse a Muslim can pretend to befriend infidels (in
violation of the teachings of Islam) and even display false adherence with
their unbelief to prevent them from harming Muslims. Under this concept of
Taqiyya, if under the threat of force, it is legitimate for Muslims to act
contrary to their faith. The devout are taught that in such circumstances
the following actions are acceptable: Drinking wine and alcoholic
beverages, abandoning prayers, skipping fasting during Ramadan, renouncing
belief in Allah and Muhammad, kneeling in homage to a deity other than
Allah, and uttering insincere oaths and covenants.
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