Page 56 - What the Qur'an Says about Liars and Their Methods
P. 56

WHAT THE QUR'AN SAYS ABOUT LIARS AND THEIR METHODS
             causes them to believe that they can present themselves as well-
             meaning people in the Hereafter.
                 In reality, these people might convince a number of others of
             their innocence in this worldly life. In the absence of any evi-
             dence to the contrary, a lot of people will accept them as honest
             people, even when they actually are lying. But Allah knows
             every person's heart and innermost thoughts. People can hide
             whatever they like from others, but can keep no secrets from
             Allah. All of their secrets will be exposed in the Hereafter.
                 There, no trace will remain of their innocent and childlike
             worldly appearance, for their faces will clearly display their im-
             morality. Thus, such people should not be deceived by the sim-
             ple, innocent faces that they see in the mirror; rather, they should
             avoid immorality and all behavior that is contrary to the Qur'an.
             In one verse, Allah tells us this:
                 But as for those who have earned bad actions—a bad
                 action will be repaid with one the like of it.
                 Debasement will darken them. They will have no one
                 to protect them from Allah. It is as if their faces were
                 covered by dark patches of the night. Those are the
                 Companions of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for-
                 ever. (Surah Yunus, 10:27)


                 Those who believe they will be excused
                 if they tell a lie and repent later
                 Yet another method of self-deception is that liars' claim that
             they can save themselves by repenting at some point in the fu-
             ture. Of course Allah accepts repentance and forgives sins.
             However, one's repentance must be the result of a feeling of re-
             gret and the decision to avoid committing that particular sin in
             the future. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that:

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