Title: Lying when Required Question: Is lying (not speaking the truth) allowed in Islam? "Well, of course not". That will be your first response, but here is a situation. Tell me what your response will be. Here is a weak man, who is being beaten by a gangster and thrown all over the place. The weak man, gets a chance and runs for his dear life. The gangster is following him, with a knife in hand. This weak man crosses you and then suddenly hides in the trash can behind you. The gangster comes to you and says: "Hey, did you see that young man, where did he hide?" My questions are: What will you say? Can you lie? If yes, can you quote any scholarly text to support your point? Or is it only common sense? Will it be considered a sin? Answer: Answers to your questions follow: Under the stipulated circumstances, if I have the ability, the power and the courage to protect the person, I would tell the truth and then protect the individual, even if it means risking my own life. On the contrary, if I do not have the ability, the resources or the courage to protect the individual, I will save him from a grave injustice by expressing my ignorance, even if so doing is considered a lie.