A Reconsideration of the Possibility and Permissibility of Propagating Lies according to Imamiah Jurisprudence

Document Type : Scientific-Research Article

Authors
Ehsan Aliakbari Baboukani
Mohammad Hassan Haeri Yazdi
Mohammad Taqi Fakhlaei
10.30497/rc.2014.1551
Abstract
Today, the act of propagating lies in the media as the major institution of displaying the Islamic Government positions has surpassed its previous simple character. Therefore, by a mere reference to jurisprudential texts that deal with issues concerning personal interactions by discussing the above problem and even heretical concepts, we cannot reach a definition of the pertinent religious rules and a comprehensive jurisprudential analysis especially in the field of the media. This article intends to respond to challenging areas in regard to propagating lies as one manifestation of forbidden acts in the field of media and tries to prove some hypotheses: 1- Propagating lies through news media and in public domain is permitted exclusively in compelling circumstances and is not permitted for solving groups' and parties' relations, or for Muslims' interests, or deceiving the enemies provided it confuses the public mind. 2- All media production whether news or non-news could be bearers of lies. 3- Spreading dubious news is permitted in some cases. 4- Some exaggerations in media should not be confused with propagating lies.
Keywords
lie
Media
religious edict
propagation
dubious news
Exaggeration
Religion & Communication
Volume 20, Issue 44 - Serial Number 44
religion and culture and communication
March 2014
Pages 45-71