The question of whether a liar or a thief is worse is as old as humanity itself. Both actions cause harm, but many moral, religious, and ethical frameworks conclude that lying is the deadlier act because it destroys trust — the very foundation of society, family, and even spiritual life.

From a secular viewpoint, society is built on shared truths. When truth is distorted, everything built upon it becomes unstable. History itself has been shown to be fraught with lies, distortions, and inaccuracies.

Take, for example, the American holiday recently celebrated — Thanksgiving — often romanticised as a peaceful feast between settlers and Indigenous people. In reality, this story hides pain, invasion, exploitation, and death. To me, it is one of the biggest falsifications ever told.

This is why many now describe history as “his-story,” not the real story — written through the lens of power, not truth.

Even our childhood myths reflect society’s strange relationship with falsehood. For years, I believed Santa Claus was a kind old man who brought me gifts I probably didn’t deserve — because my behaviour from year to year was far from perfect.

When I discovered the truth, I could not understand why hard-working parents would work tirelessly to buy gifts, only to hand over all the praise to a fictional character. To this day, that logic still beats me.

I could never understand the saying that you can’t believe half of what you hear or see … it sounded like an oxymoron to me, but with the internet and AI craze, I now understand fully!

Our beloved brother, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (aka Malcolm X) once said: “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”

And this is definitely a reality to be aware of.

My grandmother used to warn me: “Small lies matter — because they grow into big ones.” That statement holds profound truth. Lies escalate, multiply, and cause damage that sometimes lasts generations.

A thief may steal what can eventually be replaced. But a liar steals reality itself, and the consequences can be irreversible.

Islam places extraordinary importance on truthfulness, honour, and the reliability of one’s word.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Truthfulness leads to righteousness … Lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

In Islam, a person is morally bound by their word. Even the smallest breach of trust is condemned.

Muslims are urged to tell the truth, no matter what. The Koran states in Surah 4, verse 135: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin …”

Albeit, stealing is also an aberration as Prophet Muhammed warned: “Do not take even a stick from your neighbour without asking permission.” (Ahmad)

In other words, stealing even the smallest item is morally unacceptable. While both stealing and lying is absolutely frowned on; yet lying is considered worse, because it corrupts the heart and leads to nifaq — hypocrisy.

“The signs of a hypocrite are three, even if he fasts and prays and claims to be a Muslim: when he speaks he lies, when he gives a promise he breaks it, and when he is trusted he is treacherous.” (Al Bukhari via Abu Huraira)

The Koran emphasises: “Allah does not guide the liar.” (Koran 39:3)

Islamic scholars explain that lying is more destructive than theft because it opens the door to every other sin — and destroys one’s credibility before both people and God.

Christian teachings also condemn lying with a particular severity. Jesus said that Satan is “the father of lies” (John 8:44), directly linking falsehood with spiritual corruption.

Proverbs teaches: “The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in those who are truthful.” (Proverbs 12:22)

While the Ten Commandments forbid stealing, they also forbid bearing false witness, recognising that lies can destroy reputations, justice and communities.

Indeed, holding true that a liar’s word becomes useless. The Prophet warned that continual lying destroys a person’s moral identity: “A man keeps on telling lies until he is written before Allah as a liar.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

And another narration states: “When a person lies, the angels move a mile away because of the stench of what he has brought.” (Tirmidhi)

A habitual liar’s word becomes worthless — empty of honour, trust, or spiritual value.

Courts recognise the power of truth. Legal systems acknowledge this, as before testimony, witnesses swear: “To tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”

Because justice collapses the moment falsehood enters.

A thief may be lowly, and what they steal may cause distress — but often, what is stolen can be replaced. Yet a liar destroys trust, history, reputations, families, societies and even faith itself.

A famous quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, states: “I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on, I can’t believe you.”

Indeed this is true; a thief takes possessions; but a liar destroys reality.

And once truth is shattered, the damage can be permanent, causing untold devastation.

May we always tell the truth, even if it is against our own selves.

The Koran says may the “curse of Allah be upon the liars”. (3:61)

A liar can never be trusted; as their words are empty and meaningless.

Bermuda may we always stand on truth, the absolute truth, so help us God.

Have a blessed and purposeful week standing on truth and righteousness.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you)

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam