Lying in Islam (Al-Takeyya)
By Abdullah Al Araby
Like most religions, Islam in general, forbids lying. The Quran
says, "Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies."
Surah 40:28. In the Hadith, Mohammed was also quoted as saying,
"Be honest because honesty leads to goodness, and goodness leads
to Paradise. Beware of falsehood because it leads to immorality,
and immorality leads to Hell."
However, unlike most religions, within Islam there are certain
provisions under which lying is not simply tolerated, but
actually encouraged. The book "The spirit of Islam," by the
Muslim scholar, Afif A. Tabbarah was written to promote Islam.
On page 247, Tabbarah stated: "Lying is not always bad, to be
sure; there are times when telling a lie is more profitable and
better for the general welfare, and for the settlement of
conciliation among people, than telling the truth. To this
effect, the Prophet says: 'He is not a false person who (through
lies) settles conciliation among people, supports good or says
what is good."
In exploring this puzzling duplicity within Islam, we will
examine first some examples from recent and ancient Islamic
history. These examples demonstrate that lying is a common
policy amongst Islamic clerics and statesmen.
In June of 1967 Egypt was defeated by Israel and lost the Sinai
Peninsula during the "Six Day War." Subsequently, Egypt's
primary focus became to regain the lost territory. President
Nasser, and then, President Sadat, adopted the motto: "No voice
should rise over the voice of The Battle." The soldiers that had
been drafted in 1967 were kept in service and remained on high
alert in the expectation that at any day "the battle" would
ensue. Nonetheless, years pasted and Egypt's people became
disgruntle with the political hype and the "no peace, and no
war" status. In 1972 Sadat proclaimed with finality that it was
to be the year for the long anticipated battle. Throughout the
year he swore, "I swear to you by my honor that this year will
not pass by, before we launch The Battle." People believed him
because he was staking his reputation and honor through an oath.
To everyone's amazement the year passed without a single shot
being fired. As a result many, inside and outside Egypt, began
to dismiss him as a "hot air bluff". This opinion was confirmed
in the following year of 1973. He made no further mention of his
oath about the battle. Many of the draftees were released and
numerous officers were given vacation furloughs. Then without
warning, in October of 1973, he launched the attack and what was
known as the Yom Kippur war began.
As a military commander, Sadat was expected to use the element
of surprise to trick the enemy. As a devout Muslim, Sadat was
not the least bit concerned about his un-kept oath. He
understood that the history and teachings of Islam would exempt
him from spiritual accountability if he used lies as a
foundation for a strategic military maneuver.
This point is proven by many incidences in the life of Mohammed.
He often lied and instructed his followers to do the same. He
rationalized that the prospect of success in missions to extend
Islam's influence overrode Allah's initial prohibitions against
lying. A good example of sanctioned lying is the account of the
assassination of Kaab Ibn al-Ashrf, a member of the Jewish
tribe, Banu al-Nudair. It had been reported that Kaab had shown
support for the Quraishites in their battle against Mohammed.
This was compounded by another report that infuriated Mohammed.
It was alleged that Kaab had recited amorous poetry to Muslim
women. Mohammed asked for volunteers to rid him of Kaab Ibn
al-Ashraf. As Mohammed put it, Kaab had "Harmed Allah and His
Apostle." At that time Kaab Ibn al-Ashraf, and his tribe were
strong, so it was not easy for a stranger to infiltrate and
execute the task. A Muslim man by the name of Ibn Muslima,
volunteered for the murderous project on the condition that
Mohammed would allow him to lie. With Mohammed's consent, Ibn
Muslima, went to Kaab and told him fabricated stories that
reflected discontent about Mohammed's leadership. When he had
gained Kaab's trust he lured him away from his house one night
and murdered him in a remote area under the cover of darkness.
A similar example can be found in the story of killing Shaaban
Ibn Khalid al-Hazly. It was rumored that Shaaban was gathering
an army to wage war on Mohammed. Mohammed retaliated by ordering
Abdullah Ibn Anis to kill Shaaban. Again, the would-be killer
asked the prophet's permission to lie. Mohammed agreed and then
ordered the killer to lie by stating that he was a member of the
Khazaa clan. When Shaaban saw Abdullah coming, he asked him,
"From what tribe are you?" Abdullah answered, "From Khazaa." He
then added, "I have heard that you are gathering an army to
fight Mohammed and I came to join you." Abdullah started walking
with Shaaban telling him how Mohammed came to them with the
heretical teachings of Islam, and complained how Mohammed
badmouthed the Arab patriarchs and ruined the Arab's hopes. They
continued in conversation until they arrived at Shaaban's tent.
Shaaban's companions departed and Shaaban invited Abdullah to
come inside and rest. Abdullah sat there until the atmosphere
was quiet and he sensed that everyone was asleep. Abdullah
severed Shaaban's head and carried it to Mohammed as a trophy.
When Mohammed sighted Abdullah, he jubilantly shouted, "Your
face has been triumphant (Aflaha al- wajho)." Abdullah returned
the greeting by saying, "It is your face, Apostle of Allah, who
has been triumphant. (Aflaha wajhoka, ye rasoul Allah)."
Provisions for lying in Islam
Most Muslims are familiar with the principles of Islam that will
justify lying in situations where they sense the need to do so.
Among these are:
- War is deception. - The necessities justify the forbidden.
- If faced by two evils, choose the lesser of the two.
These principles are derived from passages found in the Quran
and the Hadith.
In the Quran, Allah, allegedly, says:
"Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your
oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate
oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of
the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or
give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for
three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn.
But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His
signs, that ye may be grateful." Surah 5:89
"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
"Any one who, after accepting faith in Allah, utters Unbelief,
except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith - but
such as open their breast to Unbelief, on them is Wrath from
Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty." Surah 16: 106
The noted Islamic commentator, Al-Tabary explained Surah 16:106
as a verse that had been revealed to Mohammed after he learned
that Ammar Ibn Yasser was forced to deny his faith in Mohammed
when kidnapped by the Banu Moghera tribe. Mohammed consoled
Ammar by telling him, "If they turned, you turn." (Meaning: if
they again capture you, you are allowed to deny me again.)
These and similar passages from the Quran clearly reveal that
Muslims' unintentional lies are forgivable and that even their
intentional lies can be absolved by performing extra duties. It
is also clear that if forced to do so, Muslims can lie while
under oath and can even falsely deny faith in Allah, as long as
they maintain the profession of faith in their hearts.
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 God condone lying, except in
these three situations: - For reconciliation among people. -
In war. - 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."
Another says, "Aba Kahl, reconcile among people."(Meaning: even
through lying.)
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."
The principle of Al-Takeyya
The Arabic word, "Takeyya", means "to prevent," or guard
against. The principle of Al Takeyya 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-Takeyya 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 display
adherence with their unbelief to prevent them from harming him.
Under the concept of Takeyya and short of killing another human
being, if under the threat of force, it is legitimate for
Muslims to act contrary to their faith. The following actions
are acceptable:
- Drink wine, abandon prayers, and skip fasting during
Ramadan. - Renounce belief in Allah. - Kneel in homage to a
deity other than Allah. - Utter insincere oaths.
The implications of the principle of Al-Takeyya
Unfortunately, when dealing with Muslims, one must keep in mind
that Muslims can communicate something with apparent sincerity,
when in reality they may have just the opposite agenda in their
hearts. Bluntly stated, Islam permits Muslims to lie anytime
that they perceive that their own well-being, or that of Islam,
is threatened.
In the sphere of international politics, the question is: Can
Muslim countries be trusted to keep their end of the agreements
that they sign with non-Muslim nations? It is a known Islamic
practice, that when Muslims are weak they can agree with most
anything. Once they become strong, then they negate what they
formerly vowed.
The principle of sanctioning lying for the cause of Islam bears
grave implications in matters relating to the spread of the
religion of Islam in the West. Muslim activists employ deceptive
tactics in their attempts to polish Islam's image and make it
more attractive to prospective converts. They carefully try to
avoid, obscure, and omit mentioning any of the negative Islamic
texts and teachings.
An example of Islamic deception is that Muslim activists always
quote the passages of the Quran 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. The
replacement verses reflect prejudice, intolerance, and endorse
violence upon unbelievers
In conclusion, it is imperative to understand, that Muslim
leaders can use this loop-hole in their religion, to absolve
them from any permanent commitment. It is also important to know
that what Muslim activists say to spread Islam may not always be
the whole truth. When dealing with Muslims, what they say is not
the issue. The real issue is, what they actually mean in their hearts.
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