Answered by: Alimah Siddiqa al-Farsiyyah
Question
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.
My question is regarding recording a conversation between two males.
For instance; my father and his nephew had a conversation about an important family matter. My father is old and has memory problems so because it was an important matter, I recorded the conversation but his nephew did not know. The nephew came to talk to my father on his father’s behalf. The nephew’s father has caused problems between our families by lying about many things in the past. So I wanted to make sure that we had recorded proof of what was said.
Afterwards, I came to realise that this might not be allowed, so I came here to ask if what I did was ok? Or is it a sin? If it is a sin, what do I need to do to make up for it?
Jazakallah Khair
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most-Merciful
Answer:
Considering that this matter concerns you, as well as your father’s rights, this method of keeping a record of what was said, agreed or disagreed upon, is permissible. For future reference, it is better to inform the other party that the discussion is being recorded or have a written summary of what was discussed which everyone will be required to sign.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Alimah Siddiqa al-Farsiyyah
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham