Sensitivity about the human mediums of God’s revelation speaking falsehoods was understandable. But lying is hard to avoid completely. Muhammad had allowed deception in warfare and also permitted the white lies needed between spouses and for mending social fabric. Indeed, it is hard to make the argument that speaking falsehoods is always wrong. Many morally conscientious people hold that being truthful is the best policy, unless lying seems necessary to promote an unquestionably greater good or if the lie is of the minor, white variety. Both of these species are, in effect, Noble Lies. They
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