Responsibility of Providing Accurate Guidance
๐Sunan Abi Dawud 3657
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (๏ทบ) said: “If anyone is given a legal decision ignorantly, the sin rests on the one who gave it.”
(Sulayman al-Mahri added in his version: “If anyone advises his brother, knowing that guidance lies in another direction, he has deceived him.”)
Explanation of the Hadith
๐น The Seriousness of Giving False Religious Rulings
This hadith highlights the great responsibility of giving legal or religious rulings (fatwas) in Islam.
- If someone issues a ruling without knowledge, they carry the sin of misguiding others.
- Islam strongly discourages speaking without knowledge, as it can lead people to wrong beliefs, actions, and even sins.
๐Surah Al-Nahl 16:116
“And do not say about what your tongues falsely describe: โThis is lawful and this is unlawful,โ to invent falsehood about Allah. Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allah will not succeed.”
Only Allah and His Messenger (๏ทบ) define what is lawful (halal) and unlawful (haram).
๐น The Danger of Deliberate Misinformation
Sulayman al-Mahri’s version adds that if someone deliberately gives wrong advice, knowing the truth lies elsewhere, they are guilty of deception.
- This is a grave sin because it leads others away from the right path.
- Islam forbids lying, especially in matters of faith, guidance, and justice.
๐Surah Al-Baqarah 2:42
“And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].”
Misguiding others knowingly is an act of betrayal and corruption.
๐น Islamic Responsibility to Speak Truthfully
This hadith teaches that seeking knowledge before advising others is crucial.
- A person should not speak on matters they are not knowledgeable about.
- If someone is unsure about an issue, it is better to remain silent or refer to a scholar.
๐Surah Al-Isra 17:36
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart โ about all those [one] will be questioned.”
Every person is accountable for their words and actions, so they must be careful when advising others.
This hadith serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with speaking in religious matters and the need to always prioritize truth over personal opinions or assumptions.