Should One Respond to Anti-Islamic Content on Social Media with Comments?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

When one comes across a YouTube video containing a section where the host/guest says something objectionable regarding Islam, is it right to leave a comment when the comment is likely ignored or might even provoke a strongly adverse reaction? For example, a video in which Pakistani showbiz people justify vulgarity by accusing those who object as being Munafiq or saying there is a different interpretation will provoke a strong reaction from religious Muslims. Is it better to ignore, stay quiet, or point out the wrong but in a polite manner?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health.

One does not have to comment on every video; however, if one does, then do so well and politely. One will need knowledge and wisdom to comment and reply. The key is good words when giving advice and replying; if not, please keep silent and ignore.

Restrain Your Tongue except for Good Words

Al-Bara’ reported: A Bedouin came, and he said, “O Prophet of Allah, teach me a deed that will admit me into Paradise.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Although you have expressed it in few words, the matter is broad. Emancipate an individual. Free a slave.” The man said, “Are they not the same?” The Prophet said, “No, emancipating an individual is that you emancipate him yourself, and freeing a slave is that you help someone else free him. Lend a healthy animal to be milked, and treat your relatives well. If you cannot do that, enjoin good and forbid evil. If you cannot do that, hold back your tongue except to say good words.” [Bukhari, al-Adab al-Mufrad]

Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) reported, The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, May Allah have mercy on a person who spoke rightly and was rewarded, or who was silent and remained safe. [Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman]

Mindfulness (Taqwa), Islamic Scholarship and Life Experience Is the Beginning of Wisdom

Abu ‘Iyas (Allah be pleased with him) reported: Abdullah ibn Masud (Allah be pleased with him) may Allah be pleased with him, would say in his sermons, “The best provision is mindfulness of Allah (taqwa), and the foundation of wisdom is the fear of Allah Almighty.” [Bayhaqi, Shub al-Iman]

In most everyday situations, Muslims should be kind, gentle, and measured in the way they talk to others. This is even more critical in the age of social media when text-based communication lacks the context of tone, emotions, and other non-verbal situations. Miscommunication using this medium is an ever-present danger that can be easily reduced by toning it down.

Enjoining Good and Forbidding the Evil

At the same time, Muslims should look to the example of recognized scholars for guidance and wisdom in speech and restraint when it is appropriate. We should look up to our pious Scholars who have the wisdom of experience and follow their lead. If one is unsure what is called for, commenting, or replying to something, staying silent is better and safer. (See links below)

Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) reported, The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “May Allah have mercy on a person who spoke rightly and was rewarded, or who was silent and remained safe.” [Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman]

Related:

• How to Advise and Correct Others in Islam?
• What Are the Criteria for Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil?
• Importance of Speech – Birgivi’s The Path of Muhammad Explained [Video]
• The Fiqh of Social Media: SeekersGuidance Critical Issues Seminar

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance?

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani