Question:
Assalaamu ‘alaikum
My son, who is almost three years old, has started telling imaginary tales. He also speaks untruths e.g. when asked if he has packed his toys, he replies yes, whereas he hasn’t done so. How should such incidents be dealt with now so that he does not grow up with the habit of telling lies?
Answer:
Bismihi Ta‘ala
Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barkaatuh
Respected Sister in Islam
The following are a few steps that you should take in order to try and assist your son to cease telling lies:
1. Repeatedly drum the lesson, in an endearing way, that Allah Ta‘ala does not like those who tell lies.
2. Explain the hadeeth that when a person lies, a smell emanates from his mouth which the angels can perceive. They (the angels of mercy) then flee up to one mile’s distance. How terrible is this!
3. If he is found to be lying, deprive him of some privilege for that day.
4. If he has spoken the truth, acknowledge it and reward him – even if it be some words of praise or a hug.
May Allah Ta’ala make him an honest and truthful servant of His.
Answered by:
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama