Q: I am not really a general scribe, but people ask me to write their claims and similar documents when they file their claims and law cases in the courts. Both those who seek their rights and those who may have false claims make false statements to win their cases in the court. As a skilled scribe, I may use certain techniques to make their claims sound convincing. Is it forbidden to do this?

A: If you write down people’s claims and appeals as dictated and you do not know whether they are true or not, there is nothing wrong in that. In this case, you are not to be blamed for the falsehood and mistakes contained without your knowledge, and the sin is on the person who fabricates them. However, if you know that what they are asking you to write down is false, then it is not permissible because (Part No. 23; Page No. 504) you are helping them in falsehood and sin. Allah states, Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. Allah also states, And argue not on behalf of those who deceive themselves. Verily, Allâh does not like anyone who is a betrayer, sinner. You should advise those who you know are lying and remind them of Allah and of the warning issued to those who tell lies and make false claims, in the hope that they will accept this advice and give up their claims.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.