Does the Koran prohibit bearing false witness?

Factual Questions
1

Mullah Omar the Taliban religious leader has been characterized as a liar on several occasions. Can’t locate bin Laden, shooting down a helicopter or two, and exagerated civilian casualties. Disinformation is the norm in warfare, but for a religious leader to lie is rather unusual. ** Doesn’t the Qaran prohibit prohibit telling a lie?**

2

I can’t answer your question, but even if it does, he would probably find a rationalization to justify it. Something along the lines of lying to the infidels doesn’t count, or lying to further a greater good is acceptable. After all, I’m pretty sure the Koran specifically forbids the killing of innocents, but bin Laden and his supporters have managed to redefine the definition of “innocent” for their own purposes.

I don’t know of a specific example, but I’m sure there were at least a few cases in WWII where Jews were hidden by Christian priests who would have had to lie to protect them. A question of a minor sin done in a good cause. Even if we see Mullah Omar’s cause as evil, he no doubt feels differently.

3

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by cmburns *
I can’t answer your question, but even if it does, he would probably find a rationalization to justify it. Something along the lines of lying to the infidels doesn’t count, or lying to further a greater good is acceptable. QUOTE]

Exactly. In general lying is frowned upon, but lying to an enemy to preserve your life or faith I believe is generaly tolerated as a necessary evil. I think where the line is drawn varies a bit between sects ( for example Imami Shi’ism permits lying to conceal their true faith if under threat of religious persecution ). A general link or two:

http://www.islam-usa.com/r32.html

http://www.java-man.com/Pages/Khutab/khutba990507.html

  • Tamerlane
4

Doesn’t it prohibit murder?

My point being, if it does, I doubt they would care.