The concept of Allah (swt) lying is incompatible with Islamic theology. The Quran and hadiths describe Allah (swt) as Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Haqq (the Truth). Lying implies imperfection and deceit, which are qualities Allah (swt) is free from.
Muslims absolutely believe that Allah (swt) is the ultimate source of truth and does not lie. This answer considers the Islamic concept of Allah's (swt) truthfulness and why the idea of Allah (swt) lying is rejected out of hand.
"And do not say about what your tongues assert of untruth, 'This is lawful and this is unlawful,' to invent falsehood about Allah (swt). Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allah (swt) will not succeed." Surah Al-An'am (6:116)
"And who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allah (swt)? Those will be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, 'These are the ones who lied against their Lord.' Unquestionably, the curse of Allah (swt) is upon the wrongdoers." Surah Hud (11:18)
"Allah (swt) does not want to do injustice to [anyone], even as much as the weight of an atom. And for every deed He multiplies the reward and gives from His bounty forgiveness. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful." Surah Al-Hajj (22:62)
The Prophet (saw) said, "Allah (swt) is truthful (Al-Sadiq), and His promise is true." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Prophet (saw) said, "Verily, Allah (swt) does not break His promise." (Sahih Muslim)
The idea of Allah (swt) lying contradicts core Islamic beliefs about Allah's (swt) attributes. Here's why:
1. Examining the Meaning of Lying:
Lying is the act of conveying something false with the intention to deceive. It implies imperfection and a weakness of character, qualities Allah (swt) is free from.
2. Divine Will and Divine Truthfulness:
Allah (swt) is All-Knowing and All-Powerful. His will and actions are inherently truthful because they stem from perfect knowledge and wisdom.
3. Scholarly Consensus on Allah's (swt) Truthfulness:
Islamic scholars across all schools of thought agree that Allah (swt) is Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Haqq (the Truth).
Allah (swt) can deceive for a good cause.
Metaphorical uses of "lying" in the Quran can be interpreted literally.
Allah (swt) withholds knowledge or information, which is a form of deception.
Allah (swt) allows or even creates situations that cause confusion and deception.
Allah (swt) tests people with false information to assess their faith.
Doesn't Allah (swt) test believers with hardship? Isn't that a form of deception?
What about verses that talk about "the plan of Allah" (makr Allah)? Does this imply deception?
If Allah (swt) knows everything, including the future, doesn't that mean our actions are predetermined, rendering our choices meaningless?
Some stories in the Quran could be seen as metaphorical or allegorical, potentially containing elements that are untrue.
Since Allah (swt) is all-powerful, couldn't He theoretically lie?
How can we reconcile Allah's (swt) knowledge of the future with human free will?
What about seemingly contradictory verses in the Quran?
Do the actions of tricksters and deceivers in the Quran mean Allah (swt) condones lying?
Can the concept of "taqiyya" (concealing one's faith under extreme duress) be considered a form of lying?
Is it disrespectful to ask questions about Allah's (swt) nature?
The concept of Allah (swt) lying is fundamentally at odds with the Allah's (swt) perfection and attributes. The Quran and sunnah describe Allah (swt) as truthful and just and all classical scholars affirm this.
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