In Islam, navigating a moral conflict where telling the truth may harm someone is a sensitive and complex issue. Islamic teachings emphasize values such as honesty, justice, compassion, and the preservation of others’ dignity and well-being. When facing such a conflict, several principles from Islamic ethics can help guide decision-making:
1. Honesty and Truthfulness:
Islam highly values honesty and considers truthfulness a key virtue. The Qur’an stresses the importance of truth:

• “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” (Qur’an, 33:70)
• “And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” (Qur’an, 2:42)

Lying or withholding the truth can be harmful in the long run, both to oneself and to others, as truth is considered a source of justice and righteousness in Islam.
2. Preventing Harm (Darar) and Promoting Welfare (Maslahah):
While truth-telling is encouraged, Islam also emphasizes the importance of preventing harm to others. The principle of “no harm” is central in Islamic ethics:

• “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” (Hadith, Ibn Majah)