Is it permissible to lie if it is part of one's job and does not harm others, but would result in personal harm such as salary deduction or termination of employment if one does not lie?

The default ruling on lying is prohibition, and many Quranic and prophetic texts confirm this, such as the Almighty's saying: "It is only those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah who fabricate falsehood," and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Beware of lying, for lying leads to immorality, and immorality leads to the Fire."

However, lying is permissible for the sake of a benefit that does not harm others, such as reconciling people, in war, and in the conversation between spouses that helps maintain their companionship, as narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Umm Kulthum bint Uqbah (may Allah be pleased with her).

Some scholars have permitted lying in anything that involves a benefit without harming others. Ibn al-Jawzi was of the view that lying is not forbidden in itself but due to its harm, and it is permissible if it is a means to a praiseworthy objective that cannot be achieved otherwise. Ibn al-Qayyim also indicated the permissibility of a person lying to himself and others if it does not harm others and helps him attain his right. Al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam stated that lying can be permissible and rewarded if it entails a predominant benefit, such as necessities that preserve lives, wealth, and honor.

Therefore, the default ruling on lying is prohibition, and it may be permissible if it does not harm others and is a means to avert harm, with the caveat that allusions and circumlocutions can suffice instead of lying.