I had a financial debt that I accumulated during my marriage with out my husband's knowledge. It is now paid off with money that I saved up. I never told my husband about this because it would damage our relationship and cause great tension and distance between us. Does this fall under one of the categories where it is permissible to tell a lie?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It is permissible for a woman to spend her money in any permissible way, and in paying other people's rights. So it is permissible for you to spend your money as you wish even without the knowledge of your husband as you are not obliged to inform him. Rather, it might be better not to inform him if you fear that this would cause some disadvantages and problems. This is whether it is you who earned this money or it was gifted to you by your husband for personal use (as pocket money), or any unconditional gift. If we suppose that your husband asks you about these debts or the like, then you should not lie to him. However, you may use Tawriyah (saying something which has more than one meaning and intending a meaning different from what the listener is likely to understand), for instance you may tell him 'this is her money' meaning that you borrowed money from her while he could understand your statement that she gave you this money to keep as a trust with you. This form of Tawriyah is permissible instead of plain lying.

Finally, the following two matters should be noted:

1-     It is not permissible for a woman to spend the money of her husband without his permission [this does not include the money the husband gifts his wife], unless there is a sound religious reason for doing so, like if he is negligent in spending on you or your children.

2-     A Muslim should avoid as much as possible borrowing money, unless there is a need, as debts make a person busy fulfilling this obligation which is not praiseworthy. 

Allaah Knows best.