Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
If one cheated on an exam and was found out, and when asked if they cheated, is one allowed to lie to cover up the sin because they are ashamed and it was out of character? If a penalty has been imposed on the individual ( i.e scoring zero for that exam) but at the same time the penalty imposing body have allowed the individial a chance to explain themselves ( beacuse the penalty imposing body may think they have made a wrong decision), is it then permissible to lie to cover up the sin to uphold ones dignity and integrity? If the penalty is lifted, is the individaul sinning if they recieve a score for the exam as it only afftects the rights of the individual and no one else?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray that this finds you well, and in the best of health and spirits. May Allah grant you all good and success in this life and the next.
Lying is one of the greatest of sins, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) described lying and deception as two traits a believer cannot be characterized with. Lying is only permitted in the most exceptional of circumstances–such as protecting the honor of another or keeping another’s secret–and hiding one’s own cheating in an exam is not one of these.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani