Page 22 - What the Qur'an Says about Liars and Their Methods
P. 22

WHAT THE QUR'AN SAYS ABOUT LIARS AND THEIR METHODS
             violate Islamic morality and that, consequently, such behavior
             is never permissible. In addition, if such people would just
             once listen to their consciences and answer honestly if they re-
             ally want to live surrounded by people just like themselves,
             they would see the truth. Nobody wants his own bad behavior
             to be visited upon himself. And, if he is asked whether or not
             he wants it, he emphatically rejects it.


                 To avoid carrying out a difficult task:
                 People often lie to avoid a difficult task or one that they
             simply do not want to do. For example, when somebody asks
             them for help, instead of admitting that they are too lazy or
             that they do not want to help, they make such untruthful
             claims as: "I have a lot of work at the moment," "I have a terri-
             ble headache," or "I've got a bad back."
                 In contrast, sincere Muslims do not offer such lies and
             never refuse any request for help or any job because of unwill-
             ingness or laziness. Knowing that in the Hereafter they will
             have to account for each moment of life in this world, sincere
             Muslims carry out even the most difficult tasks with greater
             pleasure and zeal. Sometimes, they may really feel tired or un-
             willing to do certain things. In such circumstances, they need
             to exercise their willpower and perform these tasks to the best
             of their ability, instead of lying. For example, if somebody
             seeks their help when they are engaged in something that they
             enjoy, they should think of the rewards in the Hereafter and
             hasten to provide whatever help they can. Those who do not
             do so, but lie so that they can stay and enjoy the movie, demon-
             strate their own weak morality. They neither heed their con-
             sciences or performing a more useful task. While they may
             persuade the person seeking help that they are not well and are

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