By Bellow Thread It Seems Lying Is Not Something Grave That I Thought It Is
The type of lie that Islam and the messengers of God strongly condemn is one that can endanger another person’s life or cause major harm. This includes giving false testimony in court, lying to conceal a truth that would pardon a criminal, or causing someone undue trouble through a false statement. A particularly severe example is the wrongful accusation of a woman of adultery, so serious that even if the accusation is true, multiple witnesses are required by Islamic law. Without them, the accuser is punished instead. This is considered the absolute red line in Islam, and one must always remain cautious regarding such matters. The “small lies” you mentioned are described by Javed Ghamidi sb as “sadd-e-zariya,” meaning that small, seemingly harmless lies can become a gateway to habitual lying. Over time, this habit can make a person more likely to lie in serious, consequential situations. Islam advises believers to avoid even minor sins and small traps, as they can lead to major forbidden deeds. One should strive to speak the truth wherever possible, not only to maintain trust but also to purify moral character. If a situation arises where telling the truth might create unnecessary trouble or awkwardness, it is better to remain silent or briefly redirect the conversation rather than resort to lying.