Is lying to a chronically ill patient, such as telling him: "Do not fear, I know someone whom Allah cured of your very same illness," considered permissible lying?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is legislated to alleviate the suffering of a terminally ill patient by bringing joy to him through kind words, making him think well of his Lord, and strengthening his hope in Him. This is done by saying: "No harm, it is a purification [of sins]," or "May Allah prolong your life and heal you," and similar words that instill hope and make him desire a long life. Lying in this regard is not permissible, for what is legislated is sufficient and obviates the need for what is not legislated.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/165898
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 165898
- 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