The current era is one of scientific progress. This period is marked by Scientific Thinking and Scientific Research Method. This scientific method of research has prevailed in such a way that anything presented outside of this method is not recognized as credible, not only in physical sciences but even in social sciences.
There are six main steps in this process. The first is observation, where something comes into human knowledge, whether by observation or some other channel. A hypothesis is then established. This is the second step. At the third stage, all the relevant information is collected. In the fourth step, this information is thoroughly analyzed. At the fifth stage, an opinion is drawn and at the sixth and final stage, conclusions are presented.
This method is referred to as the scientific method but in fact it is a natural methodology of research. Every person who has been blessed by Allah with intelligence & awareness will take this path to reach the truth. Whoever leaves this path will hear lies and spread them ahead. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) has described this matter in his unparalleled expression of wisdom as follows:
“It is enough of a lie for a man to narrate everything he hears.”
Imam Muslim brought this hadith in his Sahih and other muhaddiths (Scholars of Hadith) such as Imam Al-Albani consider it Sahih (a saying or action attributed to the Prophet Muhammad that meets the standards of authenticity set by Muslim scholars) – Sahih al-Jami’, Hadith No. 4482. Another Sahih narration of the same meaning is that it is enough for a person to be a sinner that he narrates all hearsay. (Al-Silsila tul-Sahiha: 2025).
If the truth stated in these two narrations is seen in the light of the above-mentioned scientific research method, this hadith means that the person who skips the middle two stages out of the six stages of research, is a liar. That is, forming an assumption from what one hears, forming one’s opinion on the same hearsay and starting to narrate it ahead confidently makes a person a liar and a sinner. Therefore, if a person wants to live according to this hadith, it will be necessary for him to collect all the information on the relevant subject before forming an opinion and then analyze this information from every aspect. Only then can an opinion be formed and expressed.
If a person cannot do this, then in the light of the Quran and Hadith, he has only two options. One that has been described in a number of authentic hadiths is that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak good or remain silent. (Bukhari, No. 1660). In the light of this hadith, it is clear that it is better to keep silent than to carry forward what has been heard without verification, as it is a lie and a sin.
The second way is that which has been described in Surah Noor regarding the Event of Slander (Al-ifq) in the Holy Qur’an in such a way that if something negative about someone comes to light in front of the believers and one is not in a position to do any kind of research about it, one should act in good faith and speak only good things.
This is the Qur’an and Hadith and now see where we Muslims stand today. The principle that is working in our entire society, politics and even in practicing religion is, that wherever and whenever something negative about someone comes out, it should be spread ahead without investigation. With utter disregard to whether someone’s character is being questioned, someone’s honor is being harmed or someone’s faith is being attacked, we start spreading it ahead. We don’t research, we don’t gather relevant information, we don’t review facts. If confirmation is not possible, we don’t stay silent and neither do we act in good faith. Taking it a step further, our attitude is often that we pursue negative things about people. We selectively collect negative information about others and spread it ahead.
After the invention of the Internet, this negative attitude of ours is demonstrated even more obviously. It is a common practice on the internet that various forums and sites post something negative against any famous person just to generate viewership. After which thousands upon millions of people fervently pursue hearing, watching and reading this negativity. Then, they spread such things ahead wildly through Facebook and other means.
However, it is the decision of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) that such people are liars and sinners. On the Day of Resurrection, such people will be raised as liars and sinners
Translated by Ali Zafar