Explaining illness to patients

(Sometimes) permissible to console a sick man by telling him he is getting better even if not true

"...when man’s innate qualities are used in an unlawful way, they become blameworthy....Consider that the worst of all qualities and the most odious of all attributes, and the very foundation of all evil, is lying; and that no more evil or reprehensible quality can be imagined in all existence. It brings all human perfections to naught and gives rise to countless vices. There is no worse attribute than this, and it is the foundation of all wickedness. Now, all this notwithstanding, should a physician console a patient and say, “Thank God, you are doing better and there is hope for your recovery,” although these words may be contrary to the truth, yet sometimes they will ease the patient’s mind and become the means of curing the illness. And this is not blameworthy."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, pars. 57:11-12)

Act of kindness to explain disease of patient; can never say invalid is robust and healthy as He wishes his recovery; this is kindness not enmity

"Should be (Abdul-Baha) not overlook them and explain all the events then there would remain no doubt as to Abdul-Baha's extreme kindness. How patient and long suffering he (Abdul-Baha) is! If he ever utters a word or dictates something concerning a soul, it is a matter of warning which arises from kindness.

"It is an act of kindness on the part of a physician when he explains the disease of his patient, for his explanation secures the recovery.

"I swear by the God beside Whom there is no other God, were any one to amputate any of my limbs, I would pardon him before he had committed the crime; but I can never say that an invalid is robust and healthy, for I wish his recovery, and this is extreme kindness not enmity."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 11, p. 8)