Question Summary:
Will Allah forgive me for lying?

Question Detail:

I have been worried about something. I lied to someone. My exams were near. I was depressed and had problems at home. I told my teacher that I was depressed and could not concentrate studying. but the reason to why i was depressed that i gave to my teacher was different to the real reason. i basically lied about the reason. i was depressed because of my family problems but instead of telling my teacher i had problems at home, i gave a different reason. as a result my teacher gave me more time to give my exams.
 
I feel really bad and have asked Allah so many times to forgive me. Will Allah forgive me? I can not go back to my teacher and tell them i lied abouit my reason. that would be too embarrassing. please advise me?
 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
It is normal for a person to maintain the respect of his family and conceal family related problems; however in doing so, one should avoid violations of Sharī'ah.
Lying is a very grave sin that incurs the wrath of Allah. Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qurān:
أَنَّ لَعْنَةَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِن كَانَ مِنَ الْكَاذِبِينَ
Allah's curse be on him if he is from among the liars.[1]
 It is also a sign of hypocrisy as stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him):
آية المنافق ثلاث إذا حدث كذب وإذا وعد أخلف وإذا اؤتمن خان[2]  
“The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise and when he is entrusted he betrays the trust.”
The effects of lying are such that they could even lead one away from the straight path. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
إن الكذب يهدي إلى الفجور وإن الفجور يهدي إلى النار[3] 
"Indeed lying leads to immorality, and immorality leads to the hellfire." 
You have spoken a lie and have felt grief over that. This feeling of guilt itself is a sign of your īman and a step towards making sincere tawbah to Allah (SWT)[4]. You must now take the next step and make a firm intention to permanently abandon speaking lies.[5] The mercy of Allah (SWT) is all-encompassing[6] and He always answers those who turn to Him in repentance[7] with a sincere heart[8].
When you are faced with a similar situation in the future, you may present a general excuse for example, "I am not well" etc., rather than speaking a lie.
May Allah (SWT) make your situation easier for you and grant you a life of peace and comfort. Āmīn.
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Bilal Mohammad
Student Darul Iftaa
USA 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.