The comments of the Salaf on lying

1. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: “A man may speak the truth and persist in doing so until there is in his heart not even room for evil the size of a needle. Or a man may tell lies and persist in doing so until there is in his heart not even room for truth the size of a needle.
 

2. And it was narrated that he said: “It is not correct to tell lies whether in jest or in seriousness,” then ‘Abd-Allaah recited the ayah (interpretation of the meaning):
 

“O you who believe! Fear Allaah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)”
[al-Tawbah 9:119]
 

3. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq said: “Beware of lying, for it has nothing to do with faith.”
 

4. It was narrated that Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas said: “The believer may acquire all sorts of characteristics except treachery and lying.”
 

5. It was narrated that ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “True faith is not achieved until one gives up lying in jest.”
(Musanaaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 5/235, 236)