Page 24 - What the Qur'an Says about Liars and Their Methods

WHAT THE QUR'AN SAYS ABOUT LIARS AND THEIR METHODS
ple who do not heed the Qur'an. In order to have themselves
accepted, respected, and listened to, they resort to methods
that the Qur'an declares to be immoral. This practice only en-
genders trouble, tension, and discomfort in this world, and
places their eternal life in great danger. Seeking respect and
success in this way is a great error and an act of great igno-
rance, because the only way to achieve what they want in this
world and the next is to conform to the Qur'an's morality.

To exaggerate experienced or witnessed events:
Some people exaggerate events and describe things they
have not seen as though they had witnessed them. While some
do so in order to entertain those around them, others have made
it a habit. Without even thinking about why they are doing it,
they describe every event differently from the way it happened,
add details, and exaggerate it.
For example, when a car injures somebody slightly, they de-
scribe it as an accident that caused a major disaster. When they
see a large ship, they describe it as being three or four times as
large as it really is. Such exaggeration causes others to discount
their words. When people want to obtain opinions on any sub-
ject, they go only to those who provide accurate information.
Even if such exaggerations are meant to entertain people or
as a joke, such behavior is not correct. Those who make such
jokes should tell the audience right away, or even at the same
time, that they were only telling jokes.
Our Prophet (saas) told his Companions not to tell lies, even
if they were only meant to be jokes:
"Woe be on one who speaks and lies in order to make people

laugh. Woe be on him [her]."4
"I make jokes, but I say only the truth." 5

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