Question # 590: In Islam, is it correct to forward a message containing hadith, quran, any general information, or religious content on social media like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc., without verifying the content?

Bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: It is permissible and encouraged in Islam to share Qur’an verses and authentic ahadith on social media. However, sharing religious content without verifying its authenticity and source is a grave sin. Crucially, the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) warned: “…Whoever tells a lie on me intentionally will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire.” Therefore, always ensure accuracy before forwarding, as spreading truth brings immense reward, but falsehood about religion has severe consequences.

Long Answer: It is generally permissible and encouraged to forward messages containing Qur’an verses, authentic ahadith, and beneficial religious content on social media platforms, as long as you observe certain important guidelines based on Qur’an, Sunnah, and scholarly advice:

Share Authentic Content

Only share verified and authentic Qur’an or hadith. Do not forward messages unless you are sure of their authenticity, as spreading false information about religion is a serious sin. Therefore, never forward a hadith, verse, or religious statement unless the authenticity, its source, and its reliability is verified:

  • Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, if a disobedient [person] comes to you with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.” (Soorah al-Hujurat, 49:6)
  • Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Qur’an: “Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—about all those [one] will be questioned” (Soorah Al-Isra, 17:36)
  • Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence… And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
  • Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) said that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, “It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears.” (Sahih Muslim)

Spreading Goodness and Knowledge

Sharing beneficial religious content, such as Qur’an, ahadith, and reminders, can be a means of earning ongoing rewards (sadaqah jariyah), so long as the information is based on truth and knowledge:

  • Narrated Zayd ibn Thabit (رضي الله عنه) that I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) say: “May Allah brighten a man who hears a tradition from us, gets it by heart and passes it on to others.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, graded saheeh by Al-Albani)
  • Abu Mas’ud ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amr Al-Ansari Al-Badri (رضي الله عنه) reported that Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” (Sahih Muslim)

Cautions and Ethics

Avoid forwarding fabricated hadith, superstitions, chain letters with false promises, emotional blackmail, or threats (“Forward to 10 people or misfortune will happen”). Also, do not share religious content purely for seeking fame, likes, or worldly recognition; always check your intention. Further, never spread slander, harsh language, conflict, or mockery through religious posts:

  • Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Qur’an: “Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression (Soorah Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)
  • Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Qur’an: “Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil—it is they who will be successful.” (Soorah Ali ‘Imran, 3:104)
  • Narrated Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, “…whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak what is good or keep silent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
  • It is narrated on the authority of ‘Umar bin al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم), say “Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended…” (Related by Bukhari & Muslim)

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam