Islamic Lying: Taqiyya and Kitman

Lying Taqiyya and Kitman

Question: Are Muslims permitted to lie?

Summary Answer: Muslim scholars teach that Muslims should be truthful TO EACH OTHER.

There are two forms of lying to non believers that are permitted under certain circumstances, taqiyya and kitman. One of those circumstances is to gain the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them.

The Qur'an:

Sura (16:106) - Establishes that there are circumstances that can "compel" a Muslim to tell a lie.

Sura (3:28) - This verse tells Muslims not to take those outside the faith as friends, unless it is to "guard themselves."

Sura (40:28) - A man is introduced as a believer, but one who must "hide his faith" among those who are not believers.

Sura (2:225) - "Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts"

Sura (66:2) - "Allah has already ordained for you, (O men), the dissolution of your oaths"

Taken collectively these verses are interpreted to mean that there are circumstances when a Muslim may be "COMPELLED" to deceive others for a greater purpose.


Source: Qur'an and http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/011-taqiyya.htm