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In Islamic teachings, navigating a moral conflict between telling the truth and potentially causing harm to another person requires a careful balance between several ethical principles, including truthfulness (sidq), preventing harm (darar), and promoting good (ma’ruf). Here are some key factors that should guide decision-making in such a situation:

### 1. **Truthfulness (Sidq)**

Islam places a high value on truthfulness as a moral and ethical duty. The Qur’an emphasizes speaking the truth as a sign of righteousness:

> “O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.” (Qur’an 9:119).

However, this principle is not absolute. There are situations where maintaining the truth might cause unnecessary harm or injustice.

### 2. **Preventing Harm (Darar)**

One of the core principles in Islamic ethics is to avoid causing harm to others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

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

If telling the truth would result in significant harm or injustice to another person, it might be necessary to weigh whether that harm is greater than the benefit of being truthful.

### 3. **Promoting Good and Preventing Evil (Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahi ‘anil Munkar)**

Islam encourages individuals to promote good and prevent evil, as much as possible:

> “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” (Qur’an 3:104).

In a situation where truth-telling may cause harm, consider whether speaking or withholding the truth better serves the purpose of promoting good and preventing evil.

### 4. **Intention (Niyyah)**

The intention behind an action is crucial in Islam. If the intention is to avoid harm, promote justice, or maintain peace, this intention might justify a certain approach to truthfulness.

### 5. **Context and Consequences**

Islamic jurisprudence takes a contextual approach to moral dilemmas. Consider the specific circumstances, the nature and extent of the potential harm, the rights involved, and the consequences of either action. Scholars might differ in their opinions based on the context and the balance between harm and benefit.

### 6. **Seeking Guidance from Religious Scholars (Fatwa)**

When in doubt, it is encouraged to seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars or a qualified Islamic authority. They can provide a fatwa (religious ruling) based on the principles of Islamic law (Shariah) that addresses the specific situation.

### 7. **Situations of Exceptions (Rukhsa)**

There are certain exceptions in Islam where truth-telling is not obligatory, such as to reconcile between people, to protect oneself or others from injustice or oppression, or in situations where a greater harm can be avoided. This is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stating:

> “Lying is not permissible except in three cases: when a man speaks to his wife to make her happy, lying at times of war, and lying in order to reconcile between people.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi).

### Conclusion

When faced with such a moral conflict, one should carefully consider the intention, the potential consequences, and the principles of Islamic ethics. The decision should ideally balance truthfulness with compassion, justice, and the prevention of harm. Seeking guidance from scholars and making supplication (dua) for clarity and wisdom is also encouraged in such complex situations.

Arslan Editer Answered question August 29, 2024
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