It is for this very reason that the traditions state...

It is for this very reason that the traditions state: “Lying is an evil, greater than drinking wine.” Qur’anic verses denounce lying Allah the Almighty says in Surah an-Nahl, verse 105: “Only they forge the lie who do not believe in Allah’s communications, and these are the liars.” And in Surah az-Zumar it is mentioned: “Surely Allah does not guide him aright who is a liar, ungrateful.” (Surah az-Zumar 39:3) It can be understood from the verses of the Qur’an that a liar calls for divine curse and invites the anger of Allah (S.w.T.).

For example: “... and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.” (Surah Āli- Imrān 3:61) And also: “... the curse of Allah be on him if he is one of the liars.” (Surah an-Nūr 24:8) A large number of Qur’anic verses and traditions condemn the sin of lying and describe its evil consequences. The late Haji Nūri has collected these verses and traditions and classified them into forty points for easy recalling and reference. We shall quote them for the benefit of our readers. 1.

Lying is transgression Allah (S.w.T.) says in Surah al-Baqarah: “...there shall be no intercourse nor transgression nor quarreling amongst one another (during Hajj).” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:197) The word “transgression” in this ayat refers to falsehood or lying. Again in Surah al-Hujurāt it is mentioned: “O you who believe!

If an evil-doer comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done.” (Surah al-Hujurāt 49:6) This ayat was revealed for Walid, who is mentioned as an “evil-doer”; i.e. a liar. 2. Meaning of the term “false words” Alongwith the prohibition of worshipping idols it is ordered by Allah (S.w.T.) to abstain from falsehood.

“...therefore avoid the uncleanness of the idols and avoid false words.” (Surah Hajj 22:30) In this verse ‘false words’ mean lying. 3. The liar is not a believer One of the verses quoted above demonstrates that a liar is not a believer and one who is a believer never speaks a lie. The verse pronounces: “Only they forge the lie who do not believe in the signs of Allah.” (Surah an-Nahl 16:l05) For it is clear that one who disbelieves in the divine communications cannot be a Mu’min (believer). 4.

Lying is an evil and a sin Traditions have mentioned lying as a sin and an evil. For example, Hazrat Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) says: “Falsehood is absolutely an evil and a sin.” 5.