Cover up one's sins, by not mentioning them, By Peer Syed Mohyuddin Mahboob

It is a sunna to cover up one's sins, by not mentioning them. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "My entire community is excused, except those who manifest [their sins]." [Bukhari and Muslim]

When asked about past sins, one should simply refuse to answer. If someone insists, simply tell them to mind their own business, politely.

Unless there is some critical situation, one shouldn't lie to cover up past sins. In such situations, it is best to simply use misleading impressions (ta`rid), such as saying, "Why would I have done anything like that?" or the like. This is because though necessity dictates exceptions, exceptions are limited to the extent of the necessity.