MAGAZINE: EDITION JANUARY 2021
World Religions

World Faiths: Lying and Deceit

Symbol of Islam: Crescent Moon and Star

O ye who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? Most hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.

Islam, The Holy Qur’an, 61:3-4

Symbol of Islam: Crescent Moon and Star

There are three characteristics of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he acts treacherously; and when he is trusted, he betrays.

Islam, The Holy Prophet (sa), Hadith of Muslim

Symbol of Islam: Crescent Moon and Star

The Holy Qur’an has cursed liars and it adds that liars are companions of Satan. Liars are also dishonest…Satan also engulfs liars. The Holy Qur’an does not only command to not indulge in lying but also to not sit among the company of liars and to not befriend them. Fear God and keep the company of the truthful.

Islam, the Promised Messiah (as), Nur-Al-Qur’an-Part II, P.33

Symbol of Hinduism: Aum

All things are determined by speech; speech is their root, and from speech they proceed. Therefore, he who is dishonest with respect to speech is dishonest in everything.

Hinduism, Laws of Manu, 4:56

Symbol of Buddhism: Dharmachakra, the eight-spoked wheel

There is no evil that cannot be done by the liar, who has transgressed the one law of truthfulness and who is indifferent to the world beyond.

Buddhism, Dhammapada, 176

Symbol of Judaism: The Star of David

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.

Judaism, Tanakh, Proverbs 12:22

You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Christianity, The Bible, Matthew 12:34-37