Q: It has become extremely common for the English translation of a hadith to be forwarded via social media i.e without the original Arabic text. Many people consider this a form of Da’wah.
1) Is it correct to create or forward such messages?
2) Will the respect of Hadeeth be lost if many such messages circulate without the recipients requesting to receive it?
3) Is it advisable for a layman to read a translation of a hadith without getting a full explanation directly from an alim?
A:
1. It is important to give the source of the hadeeth and to say that this is the understood meaning and to also explain the hadeeth if it requires an explanation.
2. If one feels that the recipients are not going to appreciate it then it is better not to pass it on to them.
3. As explained above, if the hadeeth requires an explanation it must be explained.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
عن ابن سيرين قال هذا الحديث دين فانظروا عمن تأخذون دينكم (الشمائل للترمذي #415)
عبدان بن عثمان يقول سمعت عبد الله بن المبارك يقول الإسناد من الدين ولولا الإسناد لقال من شاء ما شاء (مقدمة صحيح مسلم 1/ 12)
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)