Voice of British Muslim Women

Unaizah Ahmad, Inner Park

Today, through social media, words have a greater reach and a wider impact. News breaks out, and a debate starts on social media. Anyone with internet access and an account can weigh in on the discussion without having to disclose their identity or credentials.

The same routine follows when the news is of a sensitive nature, concerns individuals’ private lives, and contains allegations of moral abuse or indecent acts. Before an investigation by the relevant authorities is concluded, a trial begins on social media.

In this trial, no rules are followed with respect to privacy of the parties involved, jurisdiction, or verification of information, and this trial by social media is often missing two key elements: evidence and witnesses. Unqualified individuals take on the role of investigators, lawyers, jury and even, at times, become the executioners. This, unfortunately, defeats the purpose of a trial which is to serve justice, deter others from committing the same crime, and safeguard the peace of society.

Islam, on the other hand, guides us how to pursue justice while upholding peace in society and safeguarding the rights of individuals.

In the age of social media where words possess power mightier than weapons, the need for caution and sense of responsibility is far greater. The universal teachings of Islam shed light on how to practice caution and act responsibly, especially in matters pertaining to allegations of indecency and individuals’ privacy.

Most of those weighing in on social media debates have little to no knowledge of the events and rely on hearsay. In the Holy Quran, Allah states in Chapter 17, verse 37:

“And follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge. Verily, the ear and the eye and the heart — all these shall be called to account.”

Hence, Islam teaches us that hearsay and surmise do not equate to having true knowledge of the matter. And so, mere evidence of the ear, the eye, or the heart cannot be considered sufficient to base opinion on or condemn a person. Instead, a proper and thorough enquiry is essential for sure knowledge. It is also clear from this verse that Islam not only upholds the sanctity of human life and property but also of human honour.¹ Moreover, in Islam, a strict punishment has been ordained for those who level false accusations which further emphasises the importance Islam gives to safeguarding human honour.

Those debating online do not have the means or the jurisdiction to conduct a proper investigation. The void created by not having access to real evidence and witnesses in these social media trials is filled with speculation, slander, and unfounded claims. However, in Islam, we find guidance in the Holy Qur’an to avoid suspicions, for suspicion in some cases is a sin (Chapter 49, Verse 13)

As speculation ensues, details of any indecent act are also shared. While those disseminating them may claim their objective to be of raising awareness and deterring society from such ills, divulging details of the act in itself equates to spreading indecency.

Allah the Exalted states in Chapter 4, Verse 149:

“Allah likes not the uttering of unseemly speech in public, except on the part of one who is being wronged…”

This verse clarifies that, with the exception of those who have been directly wronged or their official representatives, others are not permitted to speak of the unseemly in public even if it may be true. Otherwise, rumour mongering, gossiping and ill-will take root in society. Therefore, instead of speaking ill of others, the case should be presented at the right forum and justice should be sought through proper means.²

There is great wisdom behind this teaching. It does not hinder the path to justice but prevents one moral ill from begetting more.

While Islam reminds the public to practice caution and show responsibility, organisations and authorities also have the duty to act with justice. It should not be that they become conditioned to investigating complaints with due diligence and impartiality only once an issue garners media attention or when people take to the streets.

Islam instructs believers to be strict in observing justice and to be witnesses for Allah even if it is against their own selves (Chapter 4, Verse 136). Being witnesses for Allah means to bear witness truly for the sake of Allah and in strict accordance with His injunctions.³ It reminds believers to not compromise the principle of justice for anyone and discharge their duties sincerely for the sake of Allah.

Islam seeks to create a righteous and peaceful society. A society where words and actions promote goodness, and combat indecency. The wisdom behind Islamic teaching is such that it maintains a high standard of justice while protecting the morality and peace of society. It deters people from the path of sin and leaves the door to reformation open for all including those who stumble.

References:

1. Volume 3, The Holy Qur’an Five Volume Commentary
2. Silence or Sanctity: Islamic teachings on safeguarding honour yet seeking justice https://www.alhakam.org/silence-or-sanctity-islamic-teachings-on-safeguarding-honour-yet-seeking-justice/
3. Volume 2, The Holy Qur’an Five Volume Commentary