Does Allah Ever Lie?

What Is Lying?

Lying is defined as an act of deception in which a person tells a falsehood that they know to be untrue. It is often used to mislead people intentionally for selfish reasons. In some cases, people may lie to make themselves look better or gain an advantage. Lying is also defined as speaking anything you consider false while believing the following conversational standard is in effect: Do not say anything that you consider false ^[1]. Lying can lead to mistrust and insecurity and negatively affect mental health. To cultivate positive interpersonal relationships, being honest and establishing trust is essential.

According to Islam, lying is the devil’s work. Also, Allah is perfect, immune to wrongdoing, and stands above wickedness. He is All-Knower; He has no limitations and no disability.

We, the common people, lie because of some shortcomings. But why would Allah lie? Allah lied in the Quran, showing Muhammad a false dream so his Companions would go to war. Allah revealed the Prophet, the enemy, as few in a dream, in visibility. In the Quran, Allah is depicted as the ultimate liar, someone who is not above employing the same vile and wicked plans as his adversaries.

Overall, Allah is the greatest liar and deceiver, permitting us to lie and break promises. The Prophet used to kill people by sending killers in the dark of night, allowing his companions to lie to kill their opponents. Allah has lied to make Islam victorious, while Prophet Muhammad used deception to increase his companion’s self-esteem and confidence. In reality, this shows the ingenuity of the Prophet’s crafty intellect.

Moral Lesson: Always Speak the Truth

Since childhood, we have heard from seniors, “Always speak the truth, and do not lie. One must speak the truth and avoid lies, even for temporary happiness or benefit.”

In order to cultivate positive interpersonal relationships, it is necessary to be honest, and establish trust. Lying can lead to mistrust and insecurity, and in the long run, it will have a negative effect on your mental health.

When I was young, I heard a story from my mother, the story of one of the most famous Olis of Allah, Oli Bayazid Bostami. The story was about how the truthfulness of young Bayazid Bostami changed a band of robbers.

The story narrated Hazrat Bayezid Bostami was once sent somewhere by his mother, hiding some gold coins in the secret place of his attire. On the way, a band of robbers stopped Bostami and asked him if he had any valuable goods. The truthful Biozid Bostami remembered his mother’s advice: Always speak the truth, and the truth will prevail; those who always walk on the path of truth, even if they face minor problems, will win in the end.

Accordingly, Bayozid Bostami told the truth about his hidden gold coin to the robber leader. The robber leader was surprised and asked Bayozid Bostami why he told the truth! Bayojid Bostami told the leader that his mother had always told him to stay on the path of truth; there is a possibility of temporary damage; however, the people on the way to the truth would win, in the end. Even if there is no victory, everyone should always be on the path of truth.

Hearing Bayojid Bostami, the robber leader was filled with regret and said to his associates, “This young lad is fearless and has unwavering faith in Allah. He has the courage to stand up against individuals like us. His mother has trained him perfectly, and he is a true example of a Muslim.”

Tears began to fall down his cheeks as he held his head in shame. He hugged Bayozid Bostami and begged his pardon.

“O Allah, this young lad has shown us the correct path,” Exclaimed the robber leader. “Please forgive us and lead us in the proper direction.”

The integrity of these stories is questionable, but from an early age, we take moral lessons after hearing the stories of such religious leaders, Pir or Auliya. But, according to the requirement in Islam, is it permissible to lie for one’s benefit?

It will be explained in greater detail later; however, there are circumstances in which Islam permits lying. Let’s explore whether or not Allah tells lies.

As far as we’re concerned, lying is the devil’s work. The big question is whether or not Allah has ever done something like this.

Lying of Common People

We, the common people, sometimes lie. In reality, though, we tell these white lies largely due to our many shortcomings. My son, for instance, wanted me to buy an expensive car for him. I lied and told him I would buy the car the next day when, in fact, I knew that I would not buy the car for him tomorrow.

We often lie out of fear. For instance, I have done something wrong. We tell lies to cover up our wrongdoing.

In my case, for instance, something I’ve done appears wrong. I would fabricate the information to hide the misconduct. It turns out that most lies we tell result from our incompetence.

Timothy R. Levine, a professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University, duly stated in a peer-reviewed article people usually do not lie when goals are attainable through honest means ^[2].

Therefore, only traitors would lie to further their interests when they have the ability to achieve the same goals by more moral means.

Why Would Allah Lie?

According to Islamic theology, Allah is omnipotent. He is the greatest, and he never lies. He is untouched by the sins of mankind. Therefore, it is believed that Allah cannot be dishonest in any way.

At the same time, the Qur’an states that Allah knows the “secret and what is even more hidden.” The statement shows that Allah is aware of the lies that people tell and is able to judge them accordingly.

Also, Allah has no limitations and no disability. He can do whatever he pleases. Why would he then lie? Why would he lie for his profit like a scoundrel?

Islam teaches that Allah is perfect, that he is immune to any wrongdoing, and that he stands above any kind of wickedness. However, his Messenger, the Prophet, is the only ethical standard for all eternity. Surely, neither Allah nor his Prophet would knowingly tell a falsehood.

In several articles on shonshshoy.com, the different works of the Prophet Muhammad have been discussed in depth (ref needed); however, our focus today is on Allah. We intend to determine if Allah ever tells a falsehood in any circumstances.

Frequently, Momin Muslims assert that Prophet Muhammad was always right and that all of his prophecies have come true. Several incidents, however, demonstrate that the Prophet Muhammad’s words and the revelations given to him by Allah have been disproven for more than one occasion.

The Muslims deftly described those expressions of the Prophet Muhammad as the mojeja (miracles) of Allah, “Allah voluntarily informed the Prophet’s companions an error or a falsehood for a legitimate reason.”

But the question is why Allah would lie, even if it was for a good cause. Can the all-powerful Allah ever tell a lie? Allow me to summarize the incidents where Allah lied from the holy book:

Once upon a time, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers fought in battle. At the time, Allah revealed to the Prophet in a dream that the number of fighters among the opposition’s disbelievers was relatively small. Prophet informed his soldiers about his dream. After hearing the prophets saying, the Companions cheerfully headed to fight. However, they discovered that the opposition’s disbelievers were in large numbers.

Following the Muslims’ victory in this battle, the Companions asked Muhammad: Allah had indicated that the disbelievers were limited in number. Then why are there so many people who don’t believe in Allah? In response, Muhammad instantly revealed verses and explained to his Companions that Allah had purposefully told this untruth to maintain the morality of Muslims. So they do not flee in terror.

However, it is a matter of great disappointment when we see Almighty Allah has to tell a lie. If Almighty Allah wanted, He could have sent 100 thousand or even millions of angels and destroyed the disbelievers. Then he would not have to lie anymore. But instead of doing so, he showed Muhammad a false dream so that Muhammad’s Companions would go to war.

This means that Allah also lies when necessary. Or, Muhammad’s prophecy was incorrect, and he took down the verses of Allah to cover up the situation! Let’s read the verses of the Qur’an.

Allah Lies in the Quran

Is it possible for Allah to have lied in the Quran? There are some passages in the Quran that some skeptics may point to as evidence that Allah did, in fact, lie. Let us examine the evidence and explore what the Quran says on the topic:

In verse 43 of Surah Anfal of the Qur’an ^[3], the holy book of Islam, it is said that Allah showed a dream to Muhammad during a war. Later, it turned out that the dream was not true. Then Allah said through another verse that he had deliberately told this lie so that the morale of the battle of the Companions remains intact.

[Remember, O Muḥammad], when Allāh showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [of whether to fight], but Allāh saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
— Saheeh International
(Recall) when in your dream, Allah showed them to you few in number. And if He had shown them to you many in number, you would have been demoralized and would have disputed in the matter, but Allah saved (you). Surely, Allah is fully aware of what lies in the hearts.
— Mufti Taqi Usmani
And recall when Allah showed them to you in your dream to be few in number. And had He showed them to you to be numerous, you would have flagged and disagreed with one another about fighting them. But Allah saved you. Surely Allah knows what is hidden in the breasts.
— Tafheem-ul-Quran – Abul Ala Maududi
When Allah showed them unto thee (O Muhammad) in thy dream as few in number, and if He had shown them to thee as many, ye (Muslims) would have faltered and would have quarrelled over the affair. But Allah saved (you). Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men).
— English Translation (Pickthall)
Remember in thy dream Allah showed them to thee as few: if He had shown them to thee as many, ye would surely have been discouraged, and ye would surely have disputed in (your) decision; but Allah saved (you): for He knoweth well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.
— English Translation (Yusuf Ali)

Tafsir of the verses

Now let’s explore the context of this verse from Tafsir ibn Kathir. Notice that in the tafsir, it is clearly stated that Allah deliberately lied to the Prophet and his companions.

8:43. (And remember) when Allah showed them to you as few in your dream; if He had shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discouraged, and you would surely have disputed in making a decision. But Allah saved (you). Certainly, He is the All-Knower of that is in the breasts. 8:44. And (remember) when you met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you appear as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained, and to Allah return all matters (for decision).

Tafseer Ibn Kathir

Allah made each Group look few in the Eye of the Other ^[4]

Mujahid said, “In a dream, Allah showed the Prophet the enemy as few. The Prophet conveyed this news to his Companions and their resolve strengthened.” Similar was said by Ibn Ishaq and several others.
(And (remember) when you met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes) demonstrates Allah’s compassion towards the believers. Allah made them see few disbelievers in their eyes, so that they would be encouraged and feel eager to meet them. — “They were made to seem few in our eyes during Badr, so that I said to a man who was next to me, `Do you think they are seventy’ He said, `Rather, they are a hundred.’ However, when we captured one of them, we asked him and he said, `We were a thousand.’
(If He had shown them to you as many, you would surely, have been discouraged,) you would have cowardly abstained from meeting them and fell in dispute among yourselves.

Let’s read from Tafseer e Jalalain: ^[5]

8:43. Remember that Allah saw them in small numbers in your sleep in a dream. And accordingly, when you gave this news to your companions, they were very happy. And if you had shown them more, you would have lost the courage to fight and to dispute about war. But Allah has saved you from courage and strife, and He is well aware of what is in your breasts, that is, what is in your hearts.
8:44. And when God made you see them O believers when you met — in your eyes as few as 70 or 100 when they were in fact 1000 so that you would advance against them; and He made you seem as few in their eyes so that they would advance and not turn back from fighting you — this was before close combat had begun but when it began He made them the disbelievers see these believers as twice their number as stated in sūrat Āl ‘Imrān Q. 313 — so that God might conclude a matter that was to be done; and to God all things are returned reverting.
Ayat 43 and 44 refer to a beautiful miracle of nature, which was executed for the purpose of the battlefield of Badr so that neither of the armies withdrew from the battlefield and ended the battle. Because it was determined to develop the truth of Islam in material terms.
In reality, it was a miracle of nature. Even though the army of the disbelievers was 3 times greater, Allah just diminished their number in the eyes of the Muslims with His total mercy so that there would be no weakness and disagreement among the Muslims.
This happened twice. Once, the Prophet saw a miracle in a dream and told the matter to the Muslims. This increases their morality. And for the second time, when both sides came face to face on the battlefield, the Muslims were shown to have reduced the number of infidels. So, in the 43rd verse, the event of the dream is mentioned, and in the 44th verse, the event of the state of direct awakening is mentioned.

Does Allah Cheat or Trick?

According to the belief of Islam, Allah is the possessor of all powers. Trickery, cunning, or deception can all be regular activities of ordinary people like us. However, it is a wonder why the almighty Allah would do such a thing.

The One, Who is thought to be omnipotent, Whose utter command instantaneously creates the universe, planets, and stars, is employing counter-strategies by observing man’s trickery, violates the concept of Allah’s omnipotence. It is like a conflict between two gangsters from two neighborhoods in which both cheat to defeat each other!

Allah is depicted in the Quran as the ultimate liar, someone who is not above employing the same vile and wicked plans as his adversaries. For examples:

1. In Ayat 54 of Surah Al-Imran ^[6], it is mentioned that Allah is the greatest deceiver or cunning. One can find the translation of this “الماكرين “(makra) word in various dictionaries, it means cheating or cunningly tricking or tricksters.

And the disbelievers made a plan ˹against Jesus˺, but Allah also planned—and Allah is the best of planners.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
And they schemed and Allah schemed, but Allah is the best of schemers.
— Fadel Soliman, Bridges’ translation
And they [i.e., the disbelievers] planned, but Allāh planned. And Allāh is the best of planners.
— Saheeh International
Then they schemed (against the Messiah), and Allah countered their schemes by schemes of His own. Allah is the best of schemers.
— Tafheem-ul-Quran – Abul Ala Maududi
And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.
— English Translation (Pickthall)
And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.
— English Translation (Yusuf Ali)

2. In Sura 8, Ayat 30, it is also mentioned Allah is the best plotter/deceiver/schemer. ^[7]

And ˹remember, O Prophet,˺ when the disbelievers conspired to capture, kill, or exile you. They planned, but Allah also planned. And Allah is the best of planners.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
And recall: the deniers scheming against yousg to imprison you or kill you or evict you. And they scheme and Allah schemes, but Allah is the best of schemers.
— Fadel Soliman, Bridges’ translation
And [remember, O Muḥammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allāh plans. And Allāh is the best of planners.
— Saheeh International
And recall how those who disbelieved schemed against you to take you captive, or kill you, or drive you away. They schemed and Allah did also scheme. Allah is the best of those who scheme.
— Tafheem-ul-Quran – Abul Ala Maududi
And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.
— English Translation (Pickthall)
Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.
— English Translation (Yusuf Ali)

3. In Sura 13, Ayat 42:

Those ˹disbelievers˺ before them ˹secretly˺ planned, but Allah has the ultimate plan. He knows what every soul commits. And the disbelievers will soon know who will have the ultimate outcome.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
And the ones who came before them had schemed(as well) , yet to Allah belongs all scheming; He knows what every single self earns. And the deniers will know to whom belongs the Ultimate Dwelling.
— Fadel Soliman, Bridges’ translation
And those before them had plotted, but to Allāh belongs the plan entirely. He knows what every soul earns, and the disbelievers will know for whom is the final home.
— Saheeh International
Those who lived before them also devised many a plot, but the master plot rests with Allah. He knows what everyone does. The deniers of the truth will soon come to know whose end is good.
— Tafheem-ul-Quran – Abul Ala Maududi
Those who were before them plotted; but all plotting is Allah’s. He knoweth that which each soul earneth. The disbelievers will come to know for whom will be the sequel of the (heavenly) Home.
— English Translation (Pickthall)
Those before them did (also) devise plots; but in all things the master-planning is Allah’s He knoweth the doings of every soul: and soon will the Unbelievers know who gets home in the end.
— English Translation (Yusuf Ali)

There are several other Ayats in Quran (Sura 7:99, 27:50) that also identify Allah as a makra. Therefore, the Quran openly declares Muhammad’s god as the greatest liar and deceiver of all! It even claims that ALL deceit belongs entirely to Allah.

Permission to Lie and Break Promises

Muhammad’s status is of immense respect in Islamic traditions and teachings. Yet, there are instances that have occurred where he either has lied or broken a promise. This section of the article seeks to provide information on some of the cases that have been found of Muhammad going down this path.

1. The Prophet Muhammad said that war is a place of deception. Lying and deceiving to defeat an opponent in battle is legalized in Islam:

Riyad as-Salihin
Hadith 1352
11. The Book of Jihad
(234)Chapter: Obligation of Jihad
Abu Hurairah and Jabir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “War is deception.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Reference: Riyad as-Salihin 1352
In-book reference: Book 11, Hadith 68

2. Since childhood, we have heard that Prophet Muhammad was a true prophet. For this reason, he was called Al Amin when he was younge. He was also trustworthy to the disbelievers for keeping the promise and preserving the accumulated goods.

However, in the Hadith, it is found that he is telling his followers the strategy of breaking the promise. The act is very surprising. Is everything I’ve heard for so long a lie? Prophet Muhammad has given a wonderful technique of breaking the promise, which is directly demonstrated in many hadiths, including Bukhari Muslim.

Read the following Hadiths that stated if a person makes a commitment about something and then later decides that the contrary would be better for him, then the person might do the opposite by offering expiation of the pledge. This is an example of an extreme case of dishonesty and broken promises. Can someone make amends for every promise by offering atonement?

A.

Sahih al-Bukhari
Hadith 7147
93. Judgments (Ahkaam)
(6)Chapter: He who seeks to be a ruler will be held responsible
Narrated `Abdur-Rahman bin Samura:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O `Abdur-Rahman bin Samura! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand, you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking for it, then you will be helped (by Allah) in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on you find that something else is better, then do what is better and make expiation for your oath.”
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 7147
In-book reference: Book 93, Hadith 11
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 9, Book 89, Hadith 261

B.

Sahih Muslim
Hadith 1650 b
27. The Book of Oaths
(3)Chapter: It is recommended for the one who swears an oath then sees that something else is better than it; To do that which is better and offer expiation for his oath.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
He who took an oath and then found another thing better than (this) should expiate for the oath (broken) by him and do (the better thing).
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1650b
In-book reference: Book 27, Hadith 19
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 15, Hadith 4053

It is known from many hadiths that the Prophet used to kill people by sending killers in the dark of night. He also allowed his companions to lie when he was sent to kill them. Not only in the field of war but also outside the war, he used to send people and kill people by resorting to deception.

C.

Sahih al-Bukhari
Hadith 4037
64 Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi)
15. Chapter: The killing of Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf
Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Who is willing to kill Ka`b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His Apostle?” Thereupon Muhammad bin Maslama got up saying, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Would you like that I kill him?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Yes,” Muhammad bin Maslama said, “Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e. to deceive Ka`b). “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You may say it.” Then Muhammad bin Maslama went to Ka`b and said, “That man (i.e. Muhammad demands Sadaqa (i.e. Zakat) from us, and he has troubled us, and I have come to borrow something from you.” On that, Ka`b said, “By Allah, you will get tired of him!” Muhammad bin Maslama said, “Now as we have followed him, we do not want to leave him unless and until we see how his end is going to be. Now we want you to lend us a camel load or two of food.” (Some difference between narrators about a camel load or two.) Ka`b said, “Yes, (I will lend you), but you should mortgage something to me.” Muhammad bin Mas-lama and his companion said, “What do you want?” Ka`b replied, “Mortgage your women to me.” They said, “How can we mortgage our women to you and you are the most handsome of the ‘Arabs?” Ka`b said, “Then mortgage your sons to me.” They said, “How can we mortgage our sons to you? Later they would be abused by the people’s saying that so-and-so has been mortgaged for a camel load of food. That would cause us great disgrace, but we will mortgage our arms to you.” Muhammad bin Maslama and his companion promised Ka`b that Muhammad would return to him. He came to Ka`b at night along with Ka`b’s foster brother, Abu Na’ila. Ka`b invited them to come into his fort, and then he went down to them. His wife asked him, “Where are you going at this time?” Ka`b replied, “None but Muhammad bin Maslama and my (foster) brother Abu Na’ila have come.” His wife said, “I hear a voice as if dropping blood is from him, Ka`b said. “They are none but my brother Muhammad bin Maslama and my foster brother Abu Naila. A generous man should respond to a call at night even if invited to be killed.” Muhammad bin Maslama went with two men. (Some narrators mention the men as ‘Abu bin Jabr. Al Harith bin Aus and `Abbad bin Bishr). So Muhammad bin Maslama went in together with two men, and sail to them, “When Ka`b comes, I will touch his hair and smell it, and when you see that I have got hold of his head, strip him. I will let you smell his head.” Ka`b bin Al-Ashraf came down to them wrapped in his clothes, and diffusing perfume. Muhammad bin Maslama said. ” have never smelt a better scent than this. Ka`b replied. “I have got the best ‘Arab women who know how to use the high class of perfume.” Muhammad bin Maslama requested Ka`b “Will you allow me to smell your head?” Ka`b said, “Yes.” Muhammad smelt it and made his companions smell it as well. Then he requested Ka`b again, “Will you let me (smell your head)?” Ka`b said, “Yes.” When Muhammad got a strong hold of him, he said (to his companions), “Get at him!” So they killed him and went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him. (Abu Rafi`) was killed after Ka`b bin Al-Ashraf.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 4037
In-book reference: Book 64, Hadith 84
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 5, Book 59, Hadith 369

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it has been very clear that Allah has lied in his desire to win the war. He lied to make Islam victorious. He resorted to deception to establish his kingdom. He has resorted to tactics or deception, just like the opponent, to defeat the opponent.

At the same time, the character of Prophet Muhammad is the same. He also allowed deception or deceit in battle, even outside of the war, to kill someone fraudulently. Again, he also tells the strategy of breaking the promise.

For the almighty, like Allah, it is difficult to accept lying about a little thing. From this, it is understood that the Prophet Muhammad used to make these verses and make many prophecies to increase the self-esteem of his companions. If some of them were true later on, he would say loudly, “You see, Allah never tells a lie.”

Again, when some things were wrong, when some prophecies were proved to be false, he would take down another verse saying that Allah has deliberately lied to test you or to increase your confidence.

Only foolish people will believe that Allah, the creator of the universe, would lie to win a battle with some insignificant infidels. In reality, as is made abundantly obvious in this article, all of this is the ingenuity of the Prophet’s crafty intellect.

English Translation and Editing: Ryan

তথ্যসূত্র

1. Fallis, D. (2008). “What is Lying? 2008.” 2008 Pacific Division Meeting of the American Philosophical Association Pasadena, California [↑]
2. Levine, T. R., R. K. Kim, et al. (2010). “People Lie for a Reason: Three Experiments Documenting the Principle of Veracity.” Communication Research Reports 27(4): 271-285 [↑]
3. Quran, 8:43 [↑]
4. Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Surah anfal, Page 98, 99, 100 [↑]
5. Tafsir al-Jalalayn (English Translation) by Imam al-Suyuti, Page 160, 161 [↑]
6. Surah Al-Imran, verse 54 [↑]
7. Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30 [↑]

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