Q 8: What is the ruling on telling lies that do not harm anyone?

A: Lying is absolutely Haram (prohibited) except in the cases that are excluded by Shari‘ah (Islamic law), which do not include the case mentioned in the question. This prohibition is based on the general meaning of evidence, such as Allah’s Statement: O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds). Moreover, it is related in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) and other books of Hadith, on the authority of `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Adhere to telling the truth, for telling the truth leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Jannah (Paradise). A person will keep on speaking the truth and seek to speak the truth until they are recorded with Allah as a truth-speaker. Beware of lying! For lying leads to immorality, and immorality leads to Hellfire. A person will keep on telling lies and seek to tell lies until they are recorded with Allah as a liar. It is also narrated that `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud said: "Telling lies is wrong whether in earnest or in jest, read if you wish: O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds). " (Part No. 26; Page No. 52) He read the Ayah (Qur’anic verse) and said: "Do you find any permission allowing anyone to tell a lie?"May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.