Question:
I work in a traffic engineering consulting company. Here we collect traffic data. Sometimes we could not collect complete data due to mechanical failure in instruments. But however we can make missing data (sometimes more than 50%) using logic, however the data can not be reliable as it is not original. is it Halaal to do this manipulation? Jazakallah Khair
Answer:
Penalty, if inflicted, should be parallel to the crime committed. If data manipulation is done and can cause harm to others by way of a fine etc. then it will not be correct to do this. If data is collected as mere statistics, for record purposes without the intention of causing any harm, then data manipulation will be correct.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Nezaam bin Yahya Ali
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
05 September 2005
01 Sha’baan 1426