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