Lies

The truth about lies.

We can't live with them. We can't live without them.

Lies have always been the plague that haunts the lives of people young and old. Some see it as the inevitable, others frown upon it with most distrust. Some say it is necessary. Others say we're better of without it.

We've been gifted with the gift of gab, but oft it comes with the curse of a glib tongue.
Lying comes to us naturally. As children we tell tall tales, often blurring the lines between reality and the realm of imagination that we tend to live in as children. As young kids we begin to lie with self beneficial reasons in mind. As adolescence and teens we see lying as alternatives to keep situations in check and avoid conflicts or hurting those we are lying to. Untruths called white lies.

But is there really any difference between the two? Is there such a thing as a white lie? Is there such a thing as a good lie?

Be there white lies or otherwise, deception has always been frowned upon by people. Be it from whatever religion you're from, lies have always been seen as sins.

From the Bible: Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

From the Quran: And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is). (YA, al-Baqarah 2:42)

In the Hadith, Prophet Mohammed was also quoted as saying, "Be honest because honesty leads to goodness, and goodness leads to Paradise. Beware of falsehood because it leads to immorality, and immorality leads to Hell."

Indeed lying has been introduced to us as something that holds within it much evil and great transgressions against the Divine. Yet, there have been cases where we find that honesty could only lead to more pain. There are bound to be cases where we find ourselves backed to a corner where the only way to bring goodness is through deception.

So how do we justify lies? When is it alright to hide the truth under a cushion of lies? When is it ok to fib? According to the Quran, there are times when one is actually encouraged to hide the truth.

Some examples of when it is ok to do so:
-For reconciliation among people.
-In war.
-Amongst spouses, to keep peace in the family.
-The necessities justify the forbidden.
-If faced by two evils, choose the lesser of the two.

Even when faced with such decisions, one should always be wary of what one says. For words not thought before uttered may lead to disaster.

As it goes in a malay proverb: "kerana pulut santan binasa, kerana mulut badan binasa." ( The coconut milk is ruined thanks to glutinous rice, just like the body is ruined thanks to the mouth )