❖ Fault-Finding and Its Harms: An Islamic Perspective
✍ Written by: Hafiz Khizr Hayat
❀ Fault-Finding (تتبعِ عورات)
The act of fault-finding (تتبعِ عورات) is one that is extremely disliked and considered a grave sin in Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has strictly prohibited it and clearly warned about its consequences:
“لا تتَّبِعوا عوراتِهم؛ فإنَّه من تتبَّع عورة أخيه المسلم تتبَّع الله عورتَه، ومَنْ تتبَّع اللهُ عورتَه يفضحه ولو في جوف بيته”
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 4880, Sahih al-Jami‘: 7984]"Do not seek out people’s faults, for whoever seeks out the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah will seek out his faults. And whoever has Allah seeking out his faults will be disgraced, even if he is hidden in the innermost part of his house."
In another Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“مَنِ اسْتَمَعَ إِلَى حَدِيثِ قَوْمٍ، وَهُمْ لَهُ كَارِهُونَ، أَوْ يَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ، صُبَّ فِي أُذُنِهِ الآنُكُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ”
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 7042]"Whoever listens secretly to the conversation of a people while they dislike it, or they try to avoid him, molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Judgment."
❀ Digital Forms of Fault-Finding and Breach of Trust
In today's digital age, there are numerous harmful ways through which fault-finding and betrayal occur. It is important to understand these methods and avoid them:
① Searching Someone's Mobile:
Taking someone’s mobile to check call history, gallery, or messages. Viewing the recycle bin to examine what was deleted.
② Inspecting Computers and Laptops:
If allowed to use someone's computer for a task, checking their history or activity logs, or digging through the hard disk for data.
③ Checking App and Browser History:
Reviewing histories of apps, software, or browsers. Attempting to read others’ chats or conducting secret investigations.
④ Stealing Data:
Copying phone numbers, accounts, Wi-Fi logins, or other details from mobile or computer. Retrieving sensitive data from devices brought for repair.
⑤ Recovering Deleted Data:
Recovering deleted data from someone else’s old mobile or laptop. Misusing personal data via buyers and sellers of digital devices.
⑥ Hacking:
Using illegal websites or software to gain access to others' devices or their control.
⑦ Installing Hidden Cameras:
Calling someone over and installing hidden cameras to record their movements. Monitoring via hidden apps or software on mobile or computer.
⑧ Checking Wi-Fi History:
Providing Wi-Fi access and then reviewing users’ internet browsing history.
⑨ Secret Recording:
Using hidden recording devices to record conversations. Displaying one mobile while secretly using another to record in a gathering.
⑩ Screenshots or Recordings Without Permission:
Taking screenshots or recording during video/audio calls or chat without consent.
❀ Harmful Effects and Islamic Guidelines
All these actions:
✔ Are sinful in nature.
✔ Create hatred, resentment, and discord among people.
✔ Lead to psychological disorders and mental unrest.
✔ Distract from positive and beneficial activities.
❀ Conclusion and Supplication
May Allah ﷻ protect us from such despicable traits and safeguard our dignity. We must conceal the faults of others, as instructed in the Qur’an and Sunnah, so that Allah ﷻ may conceal our faults on the Day of Judgment.
