Q: It is fast becoming a common trend for the English translation of Ahaadith to be circulated via social media eg. whatsapp etc. Recipients generally read these messages wherever they may be and in whatever state they may be in. Some examples of these are, the recipient may be in a mall shopping or driving or at the beach or whilst eating or in a social gathering etc. Often,recipients not being desirous of reading the hadith or may have received that hadith from ten other contacts, ends up just browsing through the hadith like any other unimportant chat.It appears that the respect of hadith is lost due to this type of circulation. 1) Is it in keeping with the adab of ahaadith etc to read it on the mobile phone? 2) Will it be more appropriate to send a hadith to a specific person only upon the request of the recipient?
A: If ahaadeeth etc. have to be read then reserve a special time and place for it. In this manner it will be done respectfully.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: As whatsapp is an instant messaging service, the ahaadith will appear on the recipients screen in whatever condition he may be or wherever he may be, irrespective of the recipient being desirous to read the haadith at that moment or not i.e he will have to scroll through the hadith first before he can read his other messages. Very often the haadith circulated lands in between jokes, videos and pictures that are circulated by other users. Considering this, will this type of circulation of hadith be encouraged ?
A: Ahaadeeth should not be treated lightly. You should rather learn a few ahaadeeth with the highest level of respect, love and care.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)