It is simple to get swept up in a hurry to share news on social media platforms in today’s age of rapid information. Despite this, it is crucial to carefully consider the statement before disseminating it due to the abundance of data accessible. Interrogating News before Sharing Is Sunnah and recommended in Islamic tradition.
The teachings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed down through the ages are called Sunnah. The Prophet taught seeking knowledge and confirming information. Questioning news before sharing it is in keeping with his teachings.
One of the famous hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) about seeking knowledge is as follows:
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim, and he who imparts knowledge to those who do not deserve it is like one who puts a necklace of jewels, pearls, and gold around the neck of swine.”[1]
This hadith strongly emphasizes the value of learning new things, checking the accuracy of the information, and spreading the word to those who deserve it. It serves as a reminder that acquiring and disseminating knowledge are moral obligations in addition to religious duties. We can prevent the spread of erroneous information, which can have adverse effects, by obtaining knowledge, disseminating it, and critically examining news sources.
Furthermore, another hadith states that:
‘It is enough of a lie for a man to narrate everything he hears.’ [2]
This saying highlights the significance of fact-checking before disseminating information. We must know that not everything we read or hear is accurate and that sharing incorrect information can adversely affect people’s reputations.
The hadiths mentioned above make it abundantly evident that it is a vital Islamic practice to verify the information before distributing it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the value of learning and researching new things and the dangers of spreading flawed information.
Spiritual And Practical Benefits of Interrogating News
Islam places great importance on knowledge-seeking and the dissemination of truth. It is essential to check the integrity and authenticity of information before passing it along to others since, in Islam, acquiring knowledge and learning is highly prized. Examining news before distributing it is a technique that aligns with Islamic principles and has several advantages.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) underlined the need for accurate communication and issued a caution against disseminating untruths. Thus, scrutinizing news before sharing it is a virtue with many benefits. The benefits of inspecting information before distributing it in Islam include the following:
Fulfilling a Religious Obligation
We carry out our religious duty to seek and disseminate knowledge by critically analyzing news before circulating it. In Islam, learning is a lifetime pursuit, and imparting precise knowledge is regarded as a good deed that may result in spiritual blessings. Narrated Anas bin Malik: the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever goes out seeking knowledge, then he is in Allah’s cause until he returns.”[3]
Avoiding Sinful Behavior
Engaging in immoral actions like backbiting, lying, or harming others is possible due to disseminating erroneous or misleading information. We can avoid engaging in unethical activities and save ourselves from the repercussions of propagating incorrect information by questioning news before sharing. Allah says in the Quran:
وَيْلٌۭ لِّكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍۢ لُّمَزَةٍ
“Woe to every backbiter, slanderer,” [4]
Contributing to a Just and Peaceful Society
Justice is a fundamental Islamic concept, and verifying news sources before spreading it advances justice. By encouraging honesty, integrity, and accountability, investigating news sources before sharing makes a constructive contribution to the community. It encourages people to accept responsibility for their knowledge and give back to a society that respects knowledge, wisdom, and justice. Verifying news before sharing may contribute to a just and peaceful society by promoting accurate facts and restricting the dissemination false information and propaganda. We can foster a more educated and responsible community by only disseminating material that has been independently verified. By examining the integrity and accuracy of news sources, we can prevent sharing misleading information that could harm other people, hurt their reputations, or inspire unjust acts.
Earning the Pleasure of Allah
Every deed in Islam has the ultimate purpose of attaining Allah’s pleasure. We can fulfill our religious commitment to seek information and distribute it, advance truth and justice, and abstain from immoral action by critically analyzing news before we share it. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allah but for worldly gain will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection.” [5]
Setting a Good Example
Setting an excellent example by researching news before sharing it might inspire others to do the same. By disseminating correct and trustworthy information, we may motivate others to follow suit, starting a chain reaction that can result in a more knowledgeable and responsible society. A hadith highlights the fact that seeking factual knowledge is a positive action:
“There is no one who goes out of his house in order to seek knowledge, but the angels lower their wings in approval of his action.'” [6]
Promotes Critical Thinking
Examining news sources before sharing encourages the use of critical thinking. By evaluating the truthfulness and dependability of news sources, we are educating our minds to be skeptics and to challenge information. This aids in our ability to comprehend the news and its context better, enabling us to generate wise judgments and conclusions.
Reduces the Spread of False Information and Limits the Propagation of Rumors
Examining news before sharing has several advantages, but one of the biggest is a decrease in the dissemination of misleading information. Fake news may have adverse effects, including harming people’s reputations and encouraging violence. We can stop the spread of incorrect data and lessen these effects by checking the integrity of news sources before sharing them. Islam forbids the dissemination of false information, rumors, and gossip. It was narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Amr:
The Prophet [SAW] used to seek refuge (with Allah) from four things: “From the knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that does not feel humble, from a supplication that is not heard, and a soul that is never satisfied.” [7]
It is clear from the mentioned hadith that information of no benefit is equivalent to gossip. That is what our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would seek refuge from, and thus, we should also. We can stop gossip and rumors from spreading by checking news sources’ reliability before sharing information.
Builds Trust and Encourages Wisdom and Prudence
Interrogating news sources before sharing builds trust with others. Islam strongly promotes information acquisition, and analyzing news sources before sharing is one method. Ensuring our shared news is accurate and reliable demonstrates our commitment to honesty and integrity. This builds trust with others, who know they can rely on us to share accurate information. We can prevent spreading false information or doing harm by evaluating the authenticity and dependability of news sources so that we may make educated decisions and judgments.
Helps to Combat Misinformation
Interrogating news sources before sharing helps to combat misinformation. False information can spread quickly, but by verifying the accuracy of news sources, we can help prevent the spread of misinformation. This is particularly important in today’s information age, where false news can damage individuals and society. It was narrated from Jabir that :
The Messenger of Allah said: “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge with Allah from the knowledge that is of no benefit.” [8]
We can understand from this hadith that knowledge that is of no benefit can quickly become a source of misinformation, and we should seek refuge with Allah from conducting such a practice.
Encourages Accountability and Promotes Truthfulness
Interrogating news sources before sharing encourages accountability. One of Islam’s guiding principles is sincerity. By verifying news sources’ accuracy and reliability, we take responsibility for the information we share. At the same time, by being accountable for the news we share, we encourage others to do the same. This helps ensure we are not spreading false information, which can harm and damage reputations. Examining news sources before sharing encourages truthfulness since it makes sure the information is factual and trustworthy. Spreading incorrect information is forbidden in Islam; thus, we may avoid doing so and support the ideal of truthfulness by checking the integrity of news sources.
Therefore interrogating news sources before sharing aligns with the teachings of Islam and has several benefits. It is a virtuous act that can lead to many rewards in Islam. It promotes truthfulness, wisdom, and prudence, reduces gossip spread, upholds justice, and contributes to a positive community.
By fulfilling our religious obligation to seek and spread knowledge, avoid sinful behavior, promote truth and justice, earn the pleasure of Allah, and set an excellent example for others, we can contribute to a more informed, responsible, and peaceful society. We may contribute to a more equitable and peaceful world by upholding this practice and becoming more accountable, knowledgeable community members.
Steps To Take When Interrogating News
Sharing news and information with others is now simpler than ever in the modern world. The emergence of social media has made it more critical than ever to verify news sources before spreading them. Fake information travels rapidly, and it might be difficult to withdraw it after it has been published. As a result, verifying the integrity and accuracy of news sources before disseminating them is crucial. The following are some important actions to consider while examining news sources:
Verify the Source
Verifying the news’s source is the first step. Verify the news’s reliability and whether reputable sources have validated any information. It is crucial to determine whether the source is respectable and trustworthy. Specific sources could be agenda-driven, untrustworthy, or prejudiced. News from unknown sources having a reputation for disseminating false information should be avoided. As a result, it is essential to confirm the validity of the original before transferring the data. Allah says in the Quran:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِن جَآءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌۢ بِنَبَإٍۢ فَتَبَيَّنُوٓا۟ أَن تُصِيبُوا۟ قَوْمًۢا بِجَهَـٰلَةٍۢ فَتُصْبِحُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَـٰدِمِينَ
“O believers, if an evildoer brings you any news, verify ˹it˺ so you do not harm people unknowingly, becoming regretful for what you have done.” [9]
Check the Facts and Dates
Verifying the facts and published dates is the next stage. Validating the integrity of any news before spreading it is crucial. It’s common for people to post old news articles as if they were current news, which can cause misunderstandings and spread incorrect information. Look at the publication date to ensure the news report is up-to-date and pertinent. Cross-referencing the information with data from other reliable sources is one technique to do this. To ensure the quality and dependability of news, it is better to cross-check the data with numerous references. It’s also important to watch for discrepancies or inconsistencies in the statement. Check the information from as many sources as possible, such as reputable news organizations and fact-checking websites.
Analyze the Content and Tone
Analyzing the news’ data and tone is the third phase. To assess the truth and dependability of the information, it is crucial to examine its substance. Similarly, the news’s style might reveal the source’s bias or goal. Look for prejudice, sensationalism, or other signs of inaccurate or misleading material. To avoid using provocative rhetoric, sensationalism, or propaganda, be vigilant. Watch out for news articles that lack supporting details or seem to be exaggerated.
Check the Credentials of the Author and Consider their Context
The fourth stage is to notice the author’s credentials and consider the context of the news. Verify the news article’s author’s credentials to ensure they are respectable and trustworthy. Investigate their past and expertise, and see whether they have a reputation for spreading rumors or misinformation. It is essential to comprehend the context and history of the news. News can occasionally be misinterpreted, resulting in erroneous information being distributed.
Consult a specialist
Consult with dependable and qualified people for help and advice if you are doubtful about the veracity or authenticity of a news source. To better comprehend the news and its ramifications, seek the advice of professionals, fact-checkers, or reputable news sources. Even the Quran advices us to seek authorities for verifying our news:
وَإِذَا جَآءَهُمْ أَمْرٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْنِ أَوِ ٱلْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا۟ بِهِۦ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰٓ أُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْتَنۢبِطُونَهُۥ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ لَٱتَّبَعْتُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا
“And when they hear news of security or fear, they publicize it. Had they referred it to the Messenger or their authorities, those with sound judgment among them would have validated it. Had it not been for Allah’s grace and mercy, you would have followed Satan—except for a few.” [10]
By following these procedures, we can be sure that the information we are disseminating is accurate and trustworthy. Doing this upholds our moral duty to educate ourselves, do thorough research, and keep others safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scrutinizing news before spreading it is crucial for Islamic conduct. People may contribute to developing a more tolerant and good society by preventing the dissemination of erroneous information, dispelling harmful stereotypes, fostering tolerance and understanding, and aiding Muslim communities. We may become more responsible and knowledgeable members of society and contribute to a more equitable and peaceful world by critically evaluating news sources before sharing.
Interrogating News before Sharing Is Sunnah is a part of our amazing series. To learn more about the guidance given to us by Allah and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), follow our series Time to Revive. By Allah’s will, you shall have increased knowledge and understanding.
By Joweria Shahid
References
- Sunan Ibn Majah 224: Introduction, Hadith 224
- Sahih Muslim 5: Introduction, Narration 6
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2647: Book 41, Hadith 3
- Al-Quran (Surah Al-Humazah, 104:1)
- Riyad as-Salihin 1391: Book 12, Hadith 16
- Sunan Ibn Majah 226: Introduction, Hadith 226
- Sunan an-Nasa’i 5442: Book 50, Hadith 15
- Sunan Ibn Majah 3843: Book 34, Hadith 17
- Al-Quran (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:6)
- Al-Quran (Surah An-Nisa, 4:83)
