* The Fitna of Social Media and False Reports * One of the most important principles Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) have laid down is to always verify before passing on any information, and strong warnings have been issued for a person who is not careful in this regard. Allah Taala says, O you who believe, if a disobedient one comes to you with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance, and become over what you have done, regretful. (Surah Hujurat, 49:6) Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, It is sufficient for a person to be a liar that he relates whatever he hears (Muslim). Elsewhere, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade hearsay (Bukhari, Muslim). The whole science of Hadith verification was founded on these principles, and Isnaad (chain of transmission) is so central to Islamic sciences, to ensure nothing false is disseminated in the name of Islam. Whilst the sin of forwarding false and unverified information was somewhat confined once upon a time, social media has taken this gross act to an unprecedented level. All sorts of false news is spread across every continent at the press of a button. More recently, false alarms regarding the death of eminent Ulama has been plaguing social media sites and the notorious medium we all know as WhatsApp. Whether its a genuine case of getting wires crossed and misunderstanding, or a malicious attempt to upset people unnecessarily, only Allah knows best. But in any case, it is the duty of a Muslim NOT to forward such information to anyone until it is verified. And why people enjoy being the first to forward such information to every group possible, as if it a great act of virtue to be the first person to bear such sad news, is beyond comprehension. It is almost as if people are anxiously waiting to be the first to spread the sad news - may Allah forbid! What adds salt to the wounds is how people deprive themselves of reward by taking photos of the sick person and sending everywhere. Visiting the sick is a great act of worship and has been described as enjoying the ripe fruits of Jannah. But instead, people want to senselessly take photos of the poor shaikh lying on the hospital bed, unaware of his surroundings. How utterly disrespectful and insensitive! This is the extent to which our minds and hearts have been affected by the harmful effects of technology. May Allah Taala grant us all hidayat and the ability to understand whats right from whats wrong. Amin.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:21:19 +0000
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