A Warning to Those Who Write on Forums and Internet Websites

Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadi's warning to those who write on forums and internet websites which [occurred] during the 13th meeting, from the meetings of the students of knowledge with [the] virtuous Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadi (hafithahullah), which took place Sunday the 6th of Jumaad al-Ãkhirah 1435 Hijrī.  

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful.

All praise is for Allah, Lord of all that exist and I bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah and He has no partners, The Wali of the Righteous, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and those who follow him upon good until Yaum ad-Deen.  As for what follows: 

So indeed there is something I would like to [give] a warning about.  

Is it not that it is that which is connected to writing on internet websites?  I love to mention to my sons, brothers and [those] beloved to me in every place from those who hear this speech and [those] whom it reaches.  

Firstly, I say "Upon the one looking on these websites is to take his time until he confirms with certainty that truly this is the speech of so and so, either by way of his writing and [it] was taken down by extracting a copy “with a scanner” as they say; consequently, it will be his hand writing.  And this is the highest level of documentation.  Or this article is that which was transcribed from something audible, hence listen to it and make certain of it being the speech of so and so, thus listen to it and compare it to that which has been conveyed [via] transcription to print.  Because perhaps it [just] happens [that] something of omission [occurred] in the transcription. Consequently, it is a must when a person sees something of this to not be hasty.  And seek verification and purity for his religion in this matter.   So compare the article transcribed into print to the audio [recording]. Thus, he makes sure, so if he is sure then this is another matter.  

The Second Matter:

The second matter  which I would like to warn about and it is in this affair, that which is written using a kunyah: Abu Fulaan, [the] father of so and so, thus the kunyah is the omitting of names, for this reason the scholars in [days] of old needed to make books of kunyahs, who's kunyah is such [and such] then list under it Fulaan Ibn Fulaan Ibn Fulaan, so and so the son of so and so the son of so and so; Fulaan the son of Fulaan the son of Fulaan, then moving on to another kunyah and like this. 

How does [one] come to know the owner of this kunyah? Indeed what is intended in this situation [or place] is so and so al Fulaani; [one] comes to know by way of [his] place in the [ranks] of the students and mashãyikh [or scholars]. So I say to my brothers, sons and [those] beloved to me from those whom this speech reaches. Don't rely upon [or put trust in] that which is written under the name Fulaan and Fulaan, Abu Fulaan, the father of so and so, until you have certainty [that] this is truly none other than so and so the son of so and so, al Fulaani. Because surely it has been firmly established with us that some of those who [use] a kunyah, surely he desires concealment by this, thus disguising [himself] so that his name is not exposed, then he writes that which he wishes to write.  Or he desires resemblance to someone else, consequently there may be a person [who] uses this kunyah.  He desires to confuse [and pull one over on] the people by [fooling them to believe] that indeed this is the speech of so and so and [in reality] it is not his speech. So this is from the [affairs] that necessitate us to take our time.  Incidentally, that which I call my sons, brothers and those [who] are beloved to me to is that everyone name themselves by their own name.  So when [one] comes [forth] to write, then state I am so and so the son of so and so the son of so and so, and when [there] comes [a time that one] sends a [letter] to the mashãyikh say, I am so and so the son of so and so the son of so and so and when [there] comes [a time] to call [the mashãyik] do not say I am Abu so and so! [Rather, say] I am so and so the son of so and so the son of so and so.  And the people, they honor him by [addressing him] by his kunyah, and he does not [say about himself I am Abu Fulaan].  This is what has come [forth] in the Prophetic manners. Thus, it is a must [that one] takes heed of [this].  And today every time someone calls to communication with you he says I am Abu Fulaan.  You [are] Abu Fulaan who?! Say, I am Fulaan Ibn Fulaan Ibn Fulaan.  As for [saying] I am Abu Fulaan!  This speech is not appropriate; it is a must to make yourself known, specifying, by that which would remove [the person] from the realm of [being] incognito and from the realm of obscurity.  Abu Fulaan [is ok] when I am aware of this specific person indeed his kunyah is such [and such], but as for you calling me for the first time saying: I am Abu Fulaan this is a mistake, opposition of the Sunnah. 

The Sunnah of the human being is to say I am so and so.  Like, surely [one] would not say: "I am me," when he sought permission.  Likewise, don't say I am Abu Fulaan, perhaps a person [knows] several people with this kunyah.  So, he assumes you are him [meaning someone else], then he opens up [and] all of a sudden [he realizes] you are someone else. Consequently, it is obligatory upon a person to say I am so and so.  And name himself [ya'nee clearly].  Thus, I bring this to your attention oh brothers and beloved ones.  All of this is in this matter. 

Another Matter:

Is it not [the case] that when there occurs a misunderstanding between two of the brothers, some of them begin to write about others and both of them are upon one way, upon one minhaj (methodology) and united with shayūkh (scholars)!  This method is not good. Hence, if you have an observation upon him, then [remember] this is your brother, present it to him.  As for exposing it on the internet, transmitting it over the internet, writing [about it] on this internet, then this is from the spreading of shortcomings which is not permissible. 

On the other hand, [when it comes to] the knowledge, then this is another topic.  And as far as refutation of errors which its people have deviated in, then this is another matter.
However, even [with] errors, there is from it that which is private and that which is public.  Thus, that which is private, it is not appropriate to spread it in the public [arena like it was common knowledge].  And in regards to that which is widely known and spread amongst the people and the talk of the town, then the refutation upon him is by way of circulation, dissemination [of] it and spreading [that which] is correct amongst the people so the people are aware thus they correct the error.  

However, I am one who is concerned [and suggesting] with this speech; if there is something between you and your brother, then do not be hasty [with] the information, spreading it on these websites!  For indeed this is opposition of the advice and this is the opposite manner[s] of which are a must for you to [employ] between you and your brother. Hence, by this method you will open the door for the development of evil between you and your brothers. 

Consequently, oh my beloved ones, brothers and sons, I hope you [all] understand this and convey it to those behind you from your brothers and this audio -Allah The Most High willing- will reach everyone.  This subject is a matter that corrupts many relationships between the brothers.  And all of it is personal affairs.  We ask Allah for safety and purity. 
Author: Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadi (hafithahullah)
Source: https://ia802501.us.archive.org/19/items/tnbeh_550/tnbeh.mp3
Translator: Abu Abdil-Alim Amīn Manning al-Makki