Is deception permissible in warfare?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
Deception is permissible in warfare against an opponent engaging in single combat (*mubariz*) and against others. This permissibility is established based on the Hadith stating, "Warfare is deception," which is characterized as Hasan Sahih (good and authentic). The narration regarding 'Amr ibn 'Abd Wudd being deceived by Ali, may Allah honor his face, confirms this principle when Ali invoked the rule after striking 'Amr.