| About sanctioned lying - Unlike Christianity and Judaism, Islam does not simply make a provision for forgiveness if one tells a lie; it actually encourages lying in certain situations. This is evident in both the Koran and the Hadith. The latter is a collection of Mohammed's sayings and deeds according to his wives, relatives, and companions. Next to the Koran, it is the most important part of Islamic law. In the Hadith, Mohammed was quoted as saying, "The sons of Adam are accountable for all lies with the exception of those spoken to reconcile two men that are quarreling, for a man to appease his wife, and in war, because war necessitates deception." This is what often makes life such a nightmare for non-Muslim women that marry Muslim men. Without the pangs of conscience, men are licensed to appease their wives with promises which they have no intention of keeping. In addition, within Islam there is the principle of "Al Takeyya." The term means, "prevention". This principle permits Muslims to lie at their discretion whenever they interpret that it is expedient for the influence of Islam or their personal protection and well-being. They justify lying by using the following verse as a springboard for expanded applications of Al Takeyya. "Let not the believers take the disbelievers for friends rather than believers. And whoever does this has no connection with Allah unless it is done to guard (Takeyya) yourselves against them, guarding carefully. And Allah cautions you against His retribution. And to Allah is the eventual coming." (Koran 3:27) The principle of Al Takeyya is precisely what makes negotiations with Islamic statesmen such a frustrating endeavor for the naïve diplomats of Christianized nations. It is imperative that diplomatic envoys learn that when dealing with Muslims, what Muslim statesmen say is not the issue. The real issue is, what do they mean and actually intend to do in their hearts. |
