BY: Aladodo Abdus-Salam
On September 14, 2024, Dr. Sharafudeen Gbadebo Raji, a prominent figure in the propagation of Islamic knowledge in Nigeria and the founder of Al-Madinah Institute, Ogbomosho, delivered a public lecture titled “Islamic Perspective on the Effects of Spreading Unverified Information” at the 5th edition of the Reviving the Ummah Public Lecture Series in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. This article draws inspiration from the insightful lecture and explores Islam’s teachings on combating misinformation.
Islam is an all-encompassing religion that addresses every aspect of life, including human relations and interactions. One of the core objectives of Islamic law is the protection of life and property. Islam strongly condemns anything that might lead to harm, including the spread of misinformation and fake news. In combating this menace, Islam offers practical and effective solutions, which this article seeks to explore.
Two Historical Cases of Fake News
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions were not immune to the consequences of fake news, and they experienced devastating effects on the Muslim community as a result.
Case 1: The Migration to Abyssinia
During the early days of Islam in Makkah, the small group of Muslims faced severe persecution from the idol-worshiping Makkans. The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted those who wished to seek asylum in Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) to do so, as the King of Abyssinia was known for his fairness and hospitality. When the Makkans heard that some Muslims had found peace in Abyssinia, they became worried and began spreading false reports that the Makkans had accepted Islam and that Muslims were now free to practice their faith in Makkah.
Some Muslims in Abyssinia believed the news and began to return to their homeland. However, upon their arrival in Makkah, they discovered the information was false, and some were even imprisoned. This forced them to migrate again to Abyssinia, but not all of them made it back safely.
Case 2: The Slander of Aisha
Another notable case of misinformation was the slanderous accusation of adultery against Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The false rumors spread throughout the Muslim community, causing immense distress to Aisha, her family, and the entire Ummah. Only through divine revelation was her innocence finally vindicated, proving the slander to be baseless.
These incidents illustrate how fake news has been used throughout history to cause harm and chaos. Whether it leads to the loss of life, property, or honor, the consequences of spreading misinformation can be severe.
Islamic Teachings on Combating Misinformation
Islam recognises the human tendency to share news both good and bad with excitement. To prevent the spread of false information, Islamic law (Shari’ah) offers clear guidelines:
1. Verify Information: Islam places a strong emphasis on verifying information before passing it on. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned against spreading unverified reports, saying, “It is enough for a man to be considered a liar that he narrates everything he hears.” (Saheeh al-Jaami). The Shari’ah prohibits spreading falsehood, as it can lead to unintended harm.
Early Islamic scholars like Qataadah also warned, “Do not say, ‘I saw’ when you did not see, or ‘I heard’ when you did not hear. Verily, Allah will question you about all of that.” (Tafseer Ibn Kathīr).
2. Investigate Before Acting
The Qur’an encourages believers to investigate matters thoroughly before taking action. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah warns against acting on unverified information:
“O you who believe! If a faasiq (evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and afterward become regretful for what you have done.”
By investigating news and understanding its context, believers can ensure that they are making informed decisions rather than acting on false or misleading information.
3. Be Truthful and Ethical
Ethical conduct is a hallmark of Islamic teachings, and one of the key attributes of an ethical person is truthfulness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his honesty, and even his adversaries trusted him with their secrets and personal belongings. A Muslim who lies or betrays trust is regarded as a hypocrite. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Among the signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
4. Mind Your Business
Islam advises believers to avoid spreading news that does not concern them directly. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Part of the perfection of someone’s Islam is leaving alone that which does not concern him.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 2518). This teaching encourages Muslims to refrain from engaging in gossip or spreading irrelevant information that may cause harm.
5. Accountability and Fear of Judgment
Islam emphasizes the importance of accountability for one’s words and actions. Those who spread false information to cause harm will face consequences in this life or the hereafter. In cases of slander, Islamic law imposes strict punishments, such as 80 lashes for those who falsely accuse others of adultery without presenting witnesses.
The Role of Islamic Clerics and Institutions
Islamic clerics and scholars have a significant role to play in educating their congregations about the dangers of misinformation. They must regularly remind Muslims of their religious obligation to verify information, refrain from gossip, and avoid causing harm through false reports. Sermons and public lectures should address these issues, emphasizing the consequences of spreading falsehood and the importance of speaking the truth.
The Qur’an warns:
“And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, the sight, and the heart of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah).” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:36).
Conclusion
The fight against fake news is a shared responsibility that goes beyond governmental and non-governmental organizations like FactCheckAfrica. In our religious spaces, during sermons, and in everyday conversations, we must address the dangers of spreading misinformation. By adhering to Islamic teachings on truthfulness, verification, and accountability, we can play a significant role in curbing the spread of fake news and fostering a more just and informed society.
Aladodo Abdus-Salam is a student of knowledge, entrepreneur, and digital service provider. He writes articles and opinion pieces on Islam, tech, finance, and personal development. Abdus-Salam holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Hikmah University. He can be reached at [email protected].
