Is it permissible to lie by claiming an engagement to avoid the problems and social sensitivities resulting from rejecting a suitor, for fear of falling into sin?

Lying is forbidden except in specified cases. However, one can use tawriyah (equivocation) and ta'ridh (allusion) to avoid problems instead of outright lying. This involves saying something that can be interpreted in more than one way. If a woman is compelled to lie to avoid a certain harm, it appears permissible for her to do so.