Is telling white lie permitted in Islam?

Question

Which types of white lies are permitted? What about those little white lies we often use in our daily life?

Example: I don't like gossiping, so whenever anyone like that call me or ask me to go outside, I always ignore by saying that I'll be a bit busy for those few days or I've to go right now etc.

This is the most said lie by me, because I really don't know how to deal with it, if I be straight forward, then they will be hurt. (truth often hurts)

Another lie I sometime say about nafal fast, whenever I do fast and meet people, I don't like to tell the truth that I am fasting, because they start commenting, that I feel like interfering too much.

So, how should we deal with these type of lies which we use often to ignore some unwanted behavior or not to hurt others?

Answer 1

liar is not one who tries to bring reconciliation amongst people and speaks good (in order to avert dispute), or he conveys good." (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention never lied except in three cases, two for Allaah, when he said [as an excuse when asked by his people to join them in celebration of their idols] "I am sick"; and [when they came back and asked who broke their idols, he said] "Rather, it was the biggest among them who did that." And the third was about Saarah, and that was his saying: "When he asks you, say you are my sister, because you are my sister in Islam." (Sahih Muslim)

The above two Ahadith should insha allah clarify the issue for you.