What is the ruling of Islamic law concerning lying about the true identity of the driver responsible for a car accident to avoid punishment, and what should one who has done so do?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The basic principle is that lying is forbidden unless there is an overriding benefit. So, if a person is not known for recklessness, it is permissible to support their lie to avert punishment from them, in order to cover a Muslim's fault. However, if they are known for recklessness and violating laws, it is not permissible to support their lie, because covering for them would embolden them to فساد (corruption/mischief). In this case, you should inform the authorities, unless you fear harm befalling you.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/60769
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 60769
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy