Question
I recently was in a conversation where someone made a negative statement about an old Muzzin not being able to take criticism. To change their perception, I commented that I had the opposite experience and that both of us were working to improve his mistakes. Please note: only me and the old Muazzin knew about him striving to get better. I wanted to know, have I committed a sin? What is the definition of confidentiality? How can a mosque personnel maintain confidentiality? Jazak Allah.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Importance of Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an important quality in Islam. It is an established practice and teaching of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace), His Companions (Allah be pleased with them), and of those who followed in excellence.
The Quality of Trust
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Gatherings are on the basis of trust.” [Abu Dawud; Ahmad]
He also said, “There is no faith (i.e. their faith is deficient) for he who is not trustworthy…” [Ahmad]
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “If a person speaks and looks around (to see if anyone is listening), it is then a trust (i.e. upon the listener not to disclose what was confided).” [Tirmidhi; Abu Dawud]
When does confidentiality apply?
The above Prophetic narration explains the circumstance in which confidentiality applies. He (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “…and looks around (to see if anyone is listening)…”
The Messenger, in this narration, is giving us a principle: if the person does not want his words to be disclosed, whether he expresses so explicitly or his behavior/actions are indicative of that fact, it is a trust (amana) upon the listener.
Exceptions to the Above
Similar to the exceptions mentioned in the discussion of backbiting, there are exceptions to the above rule. For example, if a person discloses to you intent to harm themselves, to harm others or their property, or to commit any transgression against the rights of others, you are permitted, maybe even obligated, to disclose.
When has one broken the trust of confidentiality?
There is no clear answer to this question as each case differs from the other. There are, however, some principles that can be used to make a guided decision:
Clear Violation of Confidentiality:
If one was told not to tell anyone what was said and they, thereafter, did disclose what was said against the speakers desires (without any valid excuse), they have clearly violated the trust.
Clear Permission for Disclosure:
However, if it was not explicitly stated nor was there any sign indicating to their desire for confidentiality, one is not required to keep it confidential.
Although they are not required to keep confidential, it is encouraged to speak only that which concerns one directly and is of benefit. That said, many a times speaking of other people’s business (even if permitted) is not of one’s direct concern and is often in vain.
The problem occurs in the gray area between the above two situations.
The Gray Area:
In such a case, one must use their judgment, however, caution is the best stance with regards to this issue and all matters of the tongue.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever keeps quiet is saved.” [Ahmad]
Summary
Regarding your specific circumstance, if you feel, with reasonable surety, that the ‘old muaddhin’ would not like that you disclosed what he confided in you, ask Allah Most High for forgiveness. If, however, you are reasonably sure that he would not mind, then do not fret.
That said, one must tread with caution when considering when to speak and/or what to say. Scholars describe the tongue saying, ‘Its size is small but its crimes are great.’
Hope this brings clarity to the issue as a whole and leaves you with principals that you can apply going forward.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani