Is lying forbidden in all its forms, including writing a colleague's name in the attendance record when she is absent, and saying that one's father is not home at his request to avoid answering calls?

Lying is forbidden, and it is only permissible in cases of necessity or need, within the narrowest limits, and when no other lawful means are available. This includes the use of "takhrij" (double entendre), which is using a word that has two meanings, where the speaker intends a correct meaning and the listener understands another. An example is saying, "My father is not here," intending that he is not in his room. Lying has been permitted for reconciling people, in war, and for a man to his wife and vice versa, due to the benefit involved without harm. Some scholars permit lying in anything that involves a benefit without harming others, such as Al-Hajjaj ibn Al-Lat lying to the polytheists to recover his money. However, writing down an absent colleague as present is forbidden lying and cheating. It is not permissible to lie outright to someone who asks about your father if he is present, because the alternative of "takhrij" is available.