In the name of Allāh,
the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Peace and Blessings of Allāh on Mohammad.
DEDICATED TO
Allāh–the Glorious and the High,
Lord of the worlds
AND TO
Mohammad–who brought the world
to our feet and eternity to our arms.
*
ISLAM ALLOWS LYING/TAQIYYAH
“O you who believe, be maintainers
of justice, bearers of witness for Allāh,
even though it be against your own selves
or (your) parents or near relatives —
whether he be rich or poor, Allāh has a
better right over them both.
So follow not (your) low desires,
lest you deviate. And if you distort or
turn away from (truth), surely
Allåh is ever Aware of what you do.”
(Qur’an 4:135)
TAQIYYA literally means “prudence, fear, caution”). But Christian and other critics of Islam have used this term indiscriminately to villainize Islam and Muslims, claiming that Muslims are allowed to lie/deceive to spread Islam and in other matters.
Christians do not have a Divinely revealed religion.
Trinity, inherited sin and vicarious atonement are not only human assumptions, they are blasphemous.
Instead of governing their belief by reason and truth/facts as God and Jesus require them–(Isaiah 1:18; John 8:32), Christians toss behind their backs Jesus’ clear teachings that he was sent only for Jews and that eternal life lies in observance of the Mosaic Law (until the coming of the Comforter who will then guide them into “all truth’ and will “abide for ever”) and they hold on to unGodly human inventions and employ whatever methods they can devise to lead unschooled and unthinking Muslims from Islam, and to snare unsuspecting natives into drinking the mythical blood of Jesus Christ and eating his body –spiritual cannibalism. (See Jesus-allows lying/deception).
Whereas a Muslim can “lie” about his religious belief to avoid persecution or death (and perhaps you also would lie about your religious belief to save yourself from persecution and death; Jesus tells his followers to lie even to save themselves from being thrown in jail–Matthew 5:25) Muslims do not have to lie to spread our religion, Islam.
Unlike the cardinal doctrines of Hinduism (Karma & Reincarnation) which are not clearly expressed in the Veda and which are not conducive to reason; and unlike and the cardinal doctrines of Christianity (Trinity, inherited sin and vicarious atonement) which are not clearly expressed in the Bible, and are not conducive to reason, but are in fact repugnant to reason.
The cardinal doctrines of Islam (Unity/Purity of God, Prayer, Zakaat/charity, Fasting and Hajj) are clearly expressed in the Qur’an and conducive to reason.
That the Prophet Mohammad taught that a Muslim can lie under three conditions. These are not without merit and are only applicable when it does not cause an injustice to another/others. (Dealt with later).
TAWRIYA means “hiding” or “cover” as in Cain “hiding” his brother, Abel’s, dead body, and Allāh providing clothes for us to cover our private parts–(Qur’an 5:31; 7:26).
Muslims do not have to have to lie or hide the Qur’anic truths that those on whom Allāh’s wrath is upon are the Jews (for not keeping their covenant1 with Allāh, one factor of which is for them to accept Prophet Mohammad–see Judaism-no future) and that those who are astray are Christians for ascribing Divinity to Jesus.
Notably Jews were cursed by David and Jesus2
Wishing that Christians (and all non-Muslims) become Muslims is the “best” wish in the world. Jesus, who was a Muslim –one who submits to God– also exhorted his followers to become Muslims. (Jesus-a Muslim taught Islam).
Allāh has revealed the truth in His Qur’an. Muslims are to be not afraid to verbalize them.
Insha Allāh (“if Allāh wills”). As only Allāh knows the future and we do not know if we will be alive at that time, when we say that we will do something in the future we are only assuming that we will be able to do it.
Thus, Insha Allah signifies ‘if God gives us life and well-being at that point in time’ then we will do that thing (and if there is no other matter of greater importance to prevent us from fulfilling our promise).
That Muslims are allowed to tell half-truths, such as that jihad means only “internal, spiritual struggle.”
Jihad is “internal, spiritual” as well as armed struggle. Muslims do not have to give half truths about Jihad. Jihad is the noble undertaking against injustice even on behalf of non-Muslims. Muslims are to be pleased of Jihad and vociferate its virtue. (See Islam-Jihad & Jihad Watch).
It is Christians who engage in stealth Crusade against Muslims
That there is abrogation in the Qur’an is a colossal error on the part of those who make this claim. (See Qur’an-abrogation & collecting).
MURUNA is said to mean “stealth” or “flexibility” which allows Muslims to blend in with the enemy or the surroundings so as to cause non-Muslims to lower their guard and place their trust in their Muslim counterpart.
Such as Muslims shaving off their beards, wear western clothing, or consume alcohol to blend in with non-Muslims. Or for Muslims to marry non-Muslims or to behave like non-Muslims to hide their true agenda which is to destroy Western practices.
What a maroon!
Only a few verses from Allāh need be entered to obliterate this paranoia of Christians and other critics:
- And wrong not men of their dues, and act not corruptly in the earth, making mischief”–(Qur’an 26:183)
- And fight in the way of Allāh against those who fight against you but be not aggressive. Surely Allāh loves not the aggressors”–(Qur’an 2:190)
- “…And let not hatred of a people — because they hindered you from the Sacred Mosque — incite you to transgress. And help one another in righteousness and piety, and help not one another in sin and aggression”–(Qur’an 5:2)
- “Call to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the best manner. Surely thy Lord knows best him who strays from His path, and He knows best those who go aright.
And if you take your turn, then punish with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you show patience, it is certainly best for the patient”–(Qur’an 16:125-126).
Only the occupier/usurper, the oppressor, the aggressor/transgressor, the exploiter, the bigots and those dedicated to falsehood are terrified of Islam/Shari’ah.
As stated, it is Christians who engage in stealth Crusade against Muslims
Christians and other critics also note the assassination of Ka’b ibn Ashraf. (This is addressed in the section “More lying in Islam”).
**********************************************
Nonie Darwish states in her book Now They Call Me Infidel: “Lying is forbidden in Islam except in certain situations such as war to spread Islam to non-Muslims.” (p. 152).
What utter rubbish!
Here are the “lying” in Islam that Nonie Darwish (and others) is talking about:
The Prophet taught: “He who makes peace between the people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar”–(Bokhari Vol. 3, #857; Muslim Vol. 4, #6303; Abu Dawud Vol. 3, # 4902).
And that exemption was granted for one who tell lies in 3 cases only: “in battle, for bringing reconciliation amongst persons and the narration of the words of the husband to his wife, and the narration of the words of a wife to her husband”–(Muslim Vol. 4, #6303; Abu Dawud Vol.3, #4903).
Regarding making peace by “inventing good information or saying good things” This does not mean that “the end justifies the means.” Two points need to be borne in mind: (1) the end result must be “peace.” and (2) this “lying” is not to cause harm or injury or injustice to any person. Since such “lying” would not result in harm or injustice to anyone but rather effect peace and harmony, where then is the problem?
Regarding “lying” in battle. It is doubtful that one would tell the truth to his enemies, and/or that a wise general would divulge sensitive materials to his soldiers and risk betrayal should there be a traitor in his outfit.
Incidentally, blatant “lies” were told –that Iraq was killing Kuwaiti babies and that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction– that led to the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocents and billions of dollars worth of devastation.
Where are Nonie Darwish’s pen and mouth on this? Why aren’t you vociferating that these “liars” be hauled before the World Court? Is your mouth “muzzled by the food it eats”?
Regarding a husband and wife “narration of words to” each other.
If during a get-together of some sort it appears to you that Mark fumbled your wife; would it not be better if your wife lie to you that he did not? preventing the possibility of you taking a cleaver to Mark? avoiding the possibility of one of you getting killed or maimed or disfigured?
And if it appears to your wife that Liz fondled you, would it not be better if you lie to her that Liz did not? avoiding the possibility of the two women scratching each other’s eyeballs or breaking nails on each other?)
Significantly, the Prophet Mohammad is reported to have said that
-it is among the major sins to give false witness (tell lies)–(Bokhari Vol. 8, #8).
-one who spreads false information to cause enmity will not enter Paradise–(Ibid. #82).
-Whoso does not give up telling lies, Allāh is not in need of his fasting–(Ibid. #83).
-truthfulness leads to righteousness and to Paradise. Lies leads to evil and to Hell–(Ibid. #116).
-hypocrite tells lies, does not keep his promise, and is dishonest–(Ibid, #117).
And he guarantees a house in Paradise for one who avoids lying even if he were joking”–(Abu Dawud, Vol. 3, #4782).
The Prophet also said to “Avoid falsehood, for falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness to Hell; and if a man continues to speak falsehood and makes falsehood his object, he will be recorded in Allāh’s presence as a GREAT LIAR” and on the opposite, the Prophet says: “adhere to truth, for truth leads to good deeds, and good deeds lead to Paradise”–(Abu Dawud Vol. 3, #4971).
The Prophet also taught that telling a child you would give him/her something and not giving anything then “a lie would be recorded against you”–(Abu Dawud Vol. 3, #4973).
Muslims are required to give justice even if it be against one’s self or family, and to not side with the dishonest–(Qur’an 4:105, 135; 7:29; 16:90). Muslims are required to speak straight words–(33:70; 6:152; 2:42); to propagate Islam through “wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the best manner”–(16:125);
Muslims are not even allowed to conceal testimony, it is a sin to do so–(2:283).
To “lie” in order to propagate Islam would be to tell lies against Allāh; and Allah says about those who tell a “lie” against Him: “And who is more unjust than he who forges a lie against Allāh or gives the lie to His messages”–(Qur’an 6:21, 94, 145; 29:68).
It is patent foolishness to charge that Muslims are allowed to spread their religion through “lies.”
Muslims do not have to lie to non-Muslims or deceive to spread Islam. Islam is blessed with the Divine allure of reason –which Christianity is devoid of.
Allāh calls man to belief through wisdom, reason, argument and examples–(Qur’an 16:125). And, there is no compulsion in religion–(Qur’an 2:256; 6:107; 9:6; 10:99-100; 17:7; 18:6, 29; 42:15; 50:45; 76:3; 109:1-6).
Allāh not only requires Muslims to give justice even against his own self, and to preach with wisdom and goodly exhortations –which is opposed to “lies”– Allāh requires Muslims to speak the truth: “O you who believe, keep your duty to Allāh and speak straight words”–(Qur’an 33:70). Not to mix truth with falsehood nor hide the truth: “And mix not up truth with falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know”–(Qur’an 2:42).
And telling “lies” is “mixing truth with falsehood” and hiding “the truth.” Thus, it is not only foolishness to claim that Muslims are allowed to “lie” to propagate Islam, it is gross absurdity. (More on this further on).
Contrastingly it is Christianity (and Nonie Darwish’s “God” and Son of God, Jesus) that teaches its followers to lie; Jesus says: “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison”–(Matt.5:25).
Jesus saying to agree with the “adversary” could not be about, or restricted to, a law-suit (Jesus clearly says to give the suer your cloak as well as coat–Matt. 5:40). A suer would not necessarily receive judgment in his favor so that one would have to agree with him. Unless he likes jail, seems only a crook would wait till he is jailed before paying every “farthing” he owes.
This injunction of Jesus gives Christians a hole so big to accommodate every conceivable lie and deception and for any situation that the battleships Iowa Jima and Lincoln can sail side by side through it. And with mega space to spare.
With this permission Christians can even frame an innocent person all the way to the executioner’s needle just so they would not be thrown in jail.
Sure the Bible says not to bear false witness, but clearly this is superseded by Jesus (who is said to be son of God and even “God”) for “Christians” to have no borders when it comes to saving their hide. Moreover, Jesus came some five hundred years AFTER Moses.
(Even Jesus and the Biblical God engaged in “lying” as shown further on).
Unlike Islam which calls man to belief through reason and truth. It is Christianity/Paul that calls people to God through lies and deception.
Paul says, “being crafty, I caught you with guile”–(2 Cor. 12:16); and “For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged a sinner?”–(1 Cor. 7:25; Rom. 3:7).
It is not “faithfulness” to forge in the name of God and to have people glorify God through lies. However, Paul’s “lie” did not bring people into the worship of God, Paul’s “lie” brought people into the worship of paganism, as son of God belief is paganism.
And Paul‘s most heinous “lie” against God is the introduction of the Pagan’s son of God belief into the religion of Christ. (Given the millions of those who call themselves Christians lined up behind Paul, perhaps Paul’s biggest and most successful “lie,” “crafty” and “guile” is his shrouding of Jesus in the pagan cloak of “son of God”).
Perhaps it is this un-principle of Paul to “lie” that lead Christians to retain forged verses in the Bible and to keep such materials as “virgin” of virgin birth and “begotten” of “begotten son,” etc; in their 1500 non-English Bibles that they have expunged from English ones.
Perhaps this is where the Church got its inspiration to teach doctrines –Trinity, inherited sin, and vicarious atonement– that God did not reveal; and which propelled Pope John XXIII, when cornered with irrefutable evidence that the body (of Christ) in the Shroud of Turin “was not a dead body,“ to proclaim that “the death of Jesus Christ is not essential” for belief in the “blood of Christ.” (See Bible corrupt & obsolete; Jesus-inherited sin to ascension).
Even the Christian’s son of God (and God as Christians say that Jesus is God) lied; telling his followers: “Go ye up unto this feast, for my time is not yet full come,” “But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret”–(John 7:8-10).
Clearly, Jesus did not want to go with them, and lied that he would be going later; and soon as they had gone from him he left for the feast.
Thus, Christians are licensed to lie in material matters to avoid “prison;” and to lie in theological matters to spread their belief (though Paul’s “lie” brought people into worship of paganism. See Allāh and Jesus or Paul).
Are such the works of divine messengers or devil disciples? Are they works of decency and dignity or of dishonesty and deception? (See Islam-antiChrist).
Moreover, the Biblical God (and the Christian’s God, Jesus) had his prophets “lie.” In 1 Kings chapter 22, King Ahab wanted to know if he would be successful in the battle of Ramoth-gilead. Confused, because he was getting conflicting answers from his “prophets,” King Ahab summoned Micaiah, even though he disliked Micaiah because the latter does not give him favorable answers. Micaiah prophesied that king Ahab would be killed and the Israelites defeated–(22:17).
This upset King Ahab. He wanted to know how it is that he gets conflicting answers from his prophets and Micaiah. Micaiah replied that he had a vision of the Court of God about God asking which one of his spirits will tell King Ahab that he must go to battle and be killed.
The spirits all came up with one story or the other to convince King Ahab. Then one clever spirit elected to do the job by being a “lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets. And he (God) said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a LYING spirit in the mouth of all these prophets, and the LORD hath spoken EVIL concerning thee”–(22:17-23. Incident-ally, Micaiah was sent to prison for his prophecy. King Ahab was killed in accordance with the decree of God as prophesied by Micaiah). (See Jesus-allows lying/deception)
Since the Biblical immortal God can allow “lying” causing “evil” against King Ahab, why carp at the mortal Mohammad for allowing “lying” in order to effect peace and harmony among people and without resulting in “evil” against anyone?
As noted above, Muslims are not allowed to tell a “lie” even when joking. Much more to “lie” to spread Islam.
MORE ON LYING IN ISLAM
One critic lists verses of the Qur’an and Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad to justify his charge that Islam allows lying. Here are his charges (which we have noted in “brown”) and our answers.
1. The critic: “Qur’an 16:106. Establishes that there are circumstances that can “compel” a Muslim to tell a lie.
ANSWER: Qur’an 16:106 states: “Whoso disbelieves in Allāh after his belief — not he who is compelled while his heart is content with faith, but he who opens (his) breast for disbelief — on them is the wrath of Allāh, and for them is a grievous chastisement.”
As noted on our HOME page verses of the Qur’an are to be understood as to the background to which they were revealed.
As the verse clearly conveys, this is “lying” under compulsion to save oneself from harm or death. And which does not cause harm or injustice to anyone.
Muhammad Ali gives the background to which this verse was revealed:
“Only very rare instances are met with in the early history of Islam in which the converts even under compulsion ever recanted. For instance, Yasir and Sumayyah, husband and wife, suffered death at the hands of the disbelievers because they would not recant, the latter being put to death most cruelly, her legs being tied to two camels which were made to run in opposite directions. Their son ‘Ammar, however, was not so resolute. The cruellest persecutions were inflicted on those slaves who had become converts to Islam Muir says: “These were seized and imprisoned, or they were exposed upon the scorching gravel of the valley to the intense glare of the midday sun. The torment was enhanced by intolerable thirst, until the wretched sufferers hardly knew what they said.” Yet even under these trying circumstances, which would have maddened even the most resolute man, there were those among these slave-converts who were as firm as a mountain; as in the case of Bilal, of whom it is recorded that “in the depth of his anguish the persecutors could force from him but one expression, Ahad! Ahad! (One! One! God)” (Muir).”
It is without doubt that most people (including the critic) would lie (even if it would cause harm to others) to avoid torture and death.
2. The critic: “Qur’an 3:28. This verse tells Muslims not to take those outside the faith as friends, unless it is to “guard themselves” against danger, meaning that there are times when a Muslim should appear friendly to non-Muslims, even though they should not feel that way.”
ANSWER: This verse reads: “Let not the believers take the disbelievers for friends rather than believers.a And whoever does this has no connection with Allah — except that you guard yourselves against them,b guarding carefully. And Allah cautions you against His retribution.c And to Allah is the eventual coming.”
Muhammad Ali comments:
“28a.The Muslims, being in a state of war with the disbelievers, were forbidden to look to their enemies to guard their interests or for help of any kind. The clear statement made in 60:8, 9 settles the point beyond all doubt: “Allah forbids you not respecting those who fight you not for religion, nor drive you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly.…Allah forbids you only respecting those who fight you for religion and drive you forth from your homes and help (others) in your expulsion, that you make friends with them”. Auliya, which I translate as friends here, is the plural of wali, which is derived from a root meaning he held command or had charge of or superintended a thing, and it accordingly means the manager of a thing or of the affairs of another, and the guardian or maintainer of an orphan, and the guardian of a woman who gives her away in marriage. It also means the executor or heir of a deceased person (LL). According to R, it indicates nearness in respect of place, relation, and religion, and in respect of friendship and help and belief, etc. The word therefore includes all relations or nearness. A man may also be said to be wali-Allah, as meaning one near to Allah or a friend of Allah.
28b. This is a new sentence. It is as if it were said: Do not look to them for guarding your interests, rather guard yourselves against them.
28c. T explains nafs here as meaning uqubah, i.e. retribution. In fact, retribution of evil is a requirement of Divine nature. Or, the meaning is that Allah warns you against disobedience to Himself.”
3. The critic: Quran (9:3)–“…Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters…” The dissolution of oaths with the pagans who remained at Mecca following its capture. They did nothing wrong, but were evicted anyway.”
ANSWER: To restate, verses of the Qur’an are to be understood from the background to which they were revealed. This part of the verse which the critic quoted is to be read in its context –from verse one to verse four. Following are the four verses:
1 A declaration of immunity from Allah and His Messenger to those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement.a
2 So go about in the land for four months and know that you cannot escape Allāh and that Allah will disgrace the disbelievers.
3 And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimagea that Allah is free from liability to the idolaters, and so is His Messenger. So if you repent, it will be better for you; and if you turn away, then know that you will not escape Allah. And announce painful chastisement to those who disbelieve —
4 Except those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement, then they have not failed you in anything and have not backed up anyone against you; so fulfil their agreement to the end of their term. Surely Allah loves those who keep their duty.a.”
Muhammad Ali comments:
1a. This verse is to be read along with v. 4, which makes a clear exception in favour of those who did not fail in their agreements. It is a fact that the idolatrous tribes of Arabia broke their agreements with the Muslims again and again (8:56), yet the Muslims were enjoined to accept peace if the disbelievers consented to it, even after repeated violations (8:61). But this state of things could not continue long, for it was soon found that it was impossible to trust such neighbours. This repudiation of agreements took place on a large scale when the Muslims were absent on the Tabuk expedition. The first thirteen verses of this chapter were publicly proclaimed by ‘Ali, on the occasion of the pilgrimage in the ninth year of the Hijrah, and the following announcements made as the result: (1) that no idolater shall approach the Sacred House after this; (2) that no one shall go naked round the Ka‘bah (B. 65: ix, 3). The attitude of the tribes to whom this ultimatum was given through ‘Ali is well indicated in their reply: “O ‘Ali, deliver this message to thy cousin (i.e. the Prophet), that we have thrown the agreements behind our backs, and there is no agreement between him and us except smiting with spears and striking with swords” (Rz).
3a. By the day of the greater pilgrimage is meant either the ninth of Dhu-l-Hijjah, when all pilgrims gather together in the plain of ‘Arafat, or the tenth when they assemble in Mina.
4a. Only two tribes, the Bani Damrah, and the Bani Kananah, are related to have adhered to their treaties. The exception given here makes it clear that the Muslims were not fighting with the idolaters on account of their religion, but on account of their having been untrue to their engagements.
5a. The clear exception of the last verse shows that by the idolaters here are meant, not all idolaters or polytheists wherever they may be found in the world, not even all idolaters of Arabia, but only those idolatrous tribes of Arabia assembled at the pilgrimage who had first made agreements with the Muslims and then violated them.” (For Muhammad Ali’s translation of the Qur’an contact www.muslim.org. Every person interested in religion should have a copy).
4. The critic “Quran (40:28)– A man is introduced as a believer, but one who had to “hide his faith” among those who are not believers.”
ANSWER: This verse states: “And a believing man of Pharaoh’s people, who hid his faith, said: Will you slay a man because he says, My Lord is Allah, and indeed he has brought you clear arguments from your Lord? And if he be a liar, on him will be his lie, and if he be truthful, there will befall you some of that which he threatens you with. Surely Allah guides not one who is a prodigal, a liar.”
Clearly, as the context –reading from verse 26 shows– Allāh is only recounting an exchange between Pharaoh and one of his subjects about Moses.
5. The critic: Quran (2:225)-“Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts” The context of this remark is marriage, which explains why Sharia allows spouses to lie to each other for the greater good.”
ANSWER: Reading this verse with the previous verse:
- “Your wives are a tilth for you, so go in to your tilth when you like, and send (good) beforehand for yourselves. And keep your duty to Allah, and know that you will meet Him. And give good news to the believers.
- Allah will not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned. And Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.”
It does not seem that this verse is about marriage relations but is of a general nature which is elaborated in Qur’an 5:89: “Allah will not call you to account for that which is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for the making of deliberate oaths; so its expiation is the feeding of ten poor men with the average (food) you feed your families with, or their clothing, or the freeing of a neck. But whoso finds not (means) should fast for three days. This is the expiation of your oaths when you swear. And keep your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His messages that you may give thanks.”
However, even if the verse “allows spouses to lie to each other for the greater good,” there is no harm in this for the “greater” good. So long, as noted above, as this “lying” does not result in harm or injury or injustice to the other.
6.The critic: “Quran (3:54)-“And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.” The Arabic word used here for scheme (or plot) is makara, which literally means ‘deceit’. If Allah is supremely deceitful toward unbelievers, then there is little basis for denying that Muslims are allowed to do the same. (See also 8:30 and 10:21).”
ANSWER: This verse is about the Jews planning to kill Jesus; it reads: “And (the Jews) planned and Allāh (also) planned. And Allāh is the best of planners.” Muhammad Ali explains:
“54a. Makr is explained by R as the turning of another with ingenuity or skill from that which he aims at, and he considers makr as of two sorts, a good one and an evil one. Therefore the best interpretation of the word makara (including both sorts) is that adopted by T, viz. he exercised craft, cunning, art, or skill in the management or ordering of affairs with excellent consideration or deliberation, and ability to manage according to his own free will (LL). The idea of the plan being contrived for an evil purpose or clandestinely, which is included in the significance of the word, has led many to take that idea as its exclusive significance, which is not the case. Makara-llahu may also signify that Allah recompensed or requited them for their makr (T-LL). According to some, its original significance is the gathering of an affair and its strengthening (Rz). All these explanations show that it is the equivalent of the word plan, the good or evil nature of the plan being dependent on the object or doer’s intention. Allah is called here Khair al-makirin or the Best of planners, the qualifying word khair being inapplicable to an evil object. (Emphasis added)
54b. The Jews planned to put Jesus to death by crucifixion, and Allah made a plan to frustrate their plans; and Allah’s plan was successful, i.e. he was saved from death on the cross, for which see 55a and 4:157a.”
The critic: “Taken collectively these verses are interpreted to mean that there are circumstances when a Muslim may be “compelled” to deceive others for a greater purpose.”
But as shown such a view is pure hogwash!
The critic also states: “The Quran says in several places that Allah is the best at deceiving people. An interesting side note is verse 7:99, which says that the only people who feel secure from Allah are those destined for Hell. Taken literally, this could mean that Muslims who arrogantly assume that they will enter heaven are in for a rude surprise (such are the hazards of worshipping an all-powerful deceiver).”
ANSWER: While Allāh is the ultimate in Power and is not accountable to anyone or bound by anything, Muslims do not “arrogantly assume that they will enter heaven,” the Word of Allāh is true. Allah is true to His promise! When we follow Allāh’s instructions Muslims are destined to be successful, victorious and triumphant!
Regarding Qur’an 7:99 under discussion. Reading from verse 94 shows that Allāh states that He sends prophets so evil people would reform. And whereas some people heeded others reject Divine message because they do not believe in God. Thus, Allāh calls them to reason as to what guarantee they have that they would not “perish” (verses 97-99):
“Are the people of the towns, then, secure from Our punishment coming to them by night while they sleep?
Or, are the people of the towns secure from Our punishment coming to them in the morning while they play?
Are they secure from Allāh’s plan? But none feels secure from Allāh’s plan except the people who perish.”
As emphasized the verse does not speak about “hell” as the critic enters, it only says the people might “perish” either in the “night” or “morning” (perhaps by earthquake or some other).
And as noted above, Muhammad Ali explains: “Allah is called here Khair al-makirin or the Best of planners, the qualifying word khair being inapplicable to an evil object.”
“Call to the way of Thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the best manner”–Qur’an 16:125).
Muslims do not have to lie and deceive to spread our religion. Our religion –Islam– is blessed with the Divine allure of reason; and its doctrines –Unity/Purity of God; Prayer; Zakaat/Charity; Fasting and Hajj– are clearly expressed in the Qur’an and observed by the Magnificent Messenger of Allāh –Mohammad.
It is Christians who lie and deceive to spread their religion. And they have assent for this from their God, Son of God and Paul, as noted above. (See also Jesus-allows lying/deception; Allāh and Jesus or Paul; Bible corrupt & obsolete).
The critic: “Bukhari (52:269)–“The Prophet said, ‘War is deceit.'”
The context of this is thought to be the murder of Usayr ibn Zarim and his thirty unarmed men by Muhammad’s men after he “guaranteed” them safe passage.”
ANSWER: : “Thought to be” the murder of Usayr ibn Zarim?
And what do you think war is –love connection?
Isn’t “undercover” work deceit/deception?
Isn’t one country or organization infiltrating another country or organization deceit/ deception?
Go ask the Allies of World War II what tactic they employed to rout Germany?
“The British located all the Nazi spies imbedded in England and turned them into double agents. They managed to keep Hitler completely fooled as to the real location of the invasion to the point he firmly believed Normandy was a diversion meant to trick him into sending his troops away from the true location of the invasion. The Nazi knew an invasion was coming but did not know where. Rommel was tasked with turning it back but was unable to convince Hitler the real invasion was already underway in Normandy.
“Operation Fortitude” remains one of the most sophisticated and successful military deceptions in history. A phony army was created complete with fake military equipment and radio chatter under the command of General Patton to fool the Germans into believing the D-Day invasion would take place in Northern France at Calais.” (https://www.quora.com/Was-there-really-no-leak-of-information-about-the-allied-D-Day-landings-It-was-a-complete-surprise-to-the-Germans#!n=12).
Go ask America and Britain what tactic they used to invade/destroy Iraq/Saddam Hussein?
The critic: “Bukhari (84:64-65) – Speaking from a position of power at the time, Ali confirms that lying is permitted in order to deceive an “enemy.”
ANSWER: Again, you can tell the enemy the truth. And take his word and bare your head to him.
The critic: “Bukhari (50:369)– Recounts the murder of a poet, Ka’b bin al-Ashraf, at Muhammad’s insistence. The men who volunteered for the assassination used dishonesty to gain Ka’b’s trust, pretending that they had turned against Muhammad. This drew the victim out of his fortress, whereupon he was brutally slaughtered.
ANSWER: The question is why did the Prophet want Ka’b bin al-Ashraf killed?
Muhammad Ali notes in his commentary to Qur’an 59:2:
“The Bani Nadir made a treaty with the Holy Prophet to stand neutral between him and his enemies. When he was victorious at Badr, they said that he was the Prophet promised in the Torah, on account of the victory, but when the Muslims suffered a loss on the day of Uhud, they (i.e., the Bani Nadir) repudiated their vow and broke the agreement. Ka‘b, son of Ashraf, went to Makkah with forty horsemen and made an alliance with Abu Sufyan. As a consequence, Ka‘b was murdered.”
Ka’b bin al-Ashraf was killed for treachery. No wise leader would allow such a traitor to group with others to annihilate him. Even in modern times man is flying thousands of miles to distant lands to “murder” those who are viewed as threats to him.
And Mohammad was no transgressor, no occupier, no exploiter. Had Mohammad’s enemies left him to his preaching and not force him into a defensive war, these enemies would not have lost their heads and property.
(It is to be known that a large number of these “killings” that the Prophet Mohammad is said to have ordered was quoted from Ibn Hisham, a commentator on Ibn Ishaq. It is said of Ibn Ishaq that:
“Throughout his work, Ibn Ishaq precedes every statement with the word za`ama or za`amu, he (they) alleged). It carries with it more than a hint that the statement may not be true, though it might be sound. This attitude reflects Ibn Ishaq’s caution and fairness.”1
Thus, it is evident that such “killings” may be doubtful. Nevertheless even if the Prophet Mohammad ordered such “killings” they, as shown, are hardly a blot on the Prophet’s character).
The critics of Islam are vast on text and void of substance. From what we have observed (on the Internet) they all ruminate on the same old charges against Allāh, the Qur’an, Islam and Prophet Mohammad. Which we have debunked on our site.
No religion can be shown to be superior to, or equal with, Islam. Islam is superior to all other religions.
And there is no system on the face of earth that is more equitable and just than Shari’ah.
Muslims who have apostatized from Islam (instead of learning about Islam) have the grand opportunity, while you are alive, to return to Allāh; when you die –and no one knows the time of his/her death– there is no second chance: this grand opportunity evaporates like a dewdrop in Hell.
NOTES
1. Jews broke their covenant:
“The People of the Book ask thee to bring down to them a Book from heaven; indeed they demanded of Moses a greater thing than that, for they said: Show us Allāh manifestly. So destructive punishment overtook them on account of their wrongdoing. Then they took the calf (for a god), after clear signs had come to them, but We pardoned this. And We gave Moses clear authority. And We raised the mountain above them at their covenant. And We said to them: Enter the door making obeisance. And We said to them: Violate not the Sabbath; and We took from them a firm covenant. Then for their breaking their covenant and their disbelief in the messages of Allah and their killing the prophets wrongfully and their saying, Our hearts are covered; nay, Allāh has sealed them owing to their disbelief, so they believe not but a little: And for their disbelief and for their uttering against Mary a grievous calumny: And for their saying: We have killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh, and they killed him not, nor did they cause his death on the cross, but he was made to appear to them as such. And certainly those who differ therein are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge about it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for certain: Nay, Allāh exalted him in His presence. And Allāh is ever Mighty, Wise”–(Qur’an 4:153-158).
“Abasement will be their lot wherever they are found, except under a covenant with Allah and a covenant with men, and they shall incur the wrath of Allah, and humiliation will be made to cling to them. This is because they disbelieved in the messages of Allah and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits”–Qur’an 3:112).
2. Jews were cursed by David and Jesus:
“Those who disbelieved from among the Children of Israel were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary. This was because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits. They forbade not one another the hateful things they did. Evil indeed was what they did”–(Qur’an 5:78):
Muhammad Ali comments:
“After Moses, David and Jesus, who represent the highest achievement of Israelite prophethood in temporal and spiritual glory, spoke of the advent of the Holy Prophet in unmistakable terms. The curse is used here in its original sense of being removed further off from Divine mercy. Both prophets had warned the Jews that their transgressions called for Divine punishment which should soon overtake them if they did not mend their ways. The time of both was followed by a great affliction overtaking the Jews, in the respective depredations of the Babylonian kings and the destruction wrought by Titus.”
“Jerusalem was destroyed twice as a punishment for the transgressions of the Jews, once by the Babylonians, and again by the Romans. See Jesus’ warning in Matthew 23:38: “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate,” and Luke 21:24: “And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles,” and various other like references. The Psalms are also replete with warnings.” (Muhammad Ali comm. Qur’an 17:4).
3. Taken from the Internet, art. Ibn Hisham, from an answer given to an inquirer about the authenticity of reports by Ibn Ishaq.
Ibn Hisham is said to have edited the biography of the Prophet Mohammad written by Ibn Ishaq.