Question
Assalamualaikum. When is lying permissible , Can in these situations , given below , a person can lie . 1)lying to yourself , for example saying "I am not feeling any pain" while feeling pain but only saying it to yourself . 2) lying to the person who will take immense stress or a lot of stress if one told him/her the truth 3)saying "I am fish" , if one cannot say this can one say "I am not a fish" to make others laugh ? Will it be considered mocking ? 4) calling ones friend captain , soldier but the friend is not that , For ex "let's go sailors in the sea" while there is no sea and his/her friends are not sailors. 5) lying to animals 6)saying ,"i am good or feeling good" while one is not 7)if someone ask , "have you listen to this pianist?" Should one say never to hide their sin or should one change the topic . 8) if someone does not like something, his or her father has bought , but says ,"I like it very much" . Is it permissible to say ? Thank you .
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWalekumussalam,
Lying is generally prohibited, and the Prophet ๏ทบ said that a person who does not lie even in joking will enter Paradise. Therefore, truthfulness is always paramount, even in casual or humorous situations.
However, Islamic jurisprudence allows exceptions in certain cases. For example, if you tell yourself, โI am not in pain,โ and no one is harmed, there is no sin in this. If telling the truth would cause someone severe distress or worry, a small lie may be permissible, provided the benefit outweighs any harm. Jokes or playful exaggeration among friendsโsuch as giving them playful titles or using light exaggerationโcan be permissible in a limited sense, as long as it does not involve mocking or insulting anyone.
Pretending to be fine, saying โI am good,โ or diverting a conversation to avoid revealing a sin is allowed if the purpose is to prevent harm. Praising a gift to make parents happy is also permissible, provided no harm is caused. Lying to animals generally does not pose an issue.
In summary, lying is generally forbidden, but in light joking, minor exaggeration, or protective situations it can be permissible, as long as no harm is done, no one is mocked, and the intention is good. Truthfulness should always remain the priority.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
April 02, 2026