Use Of False Hadis Through Internet Wrong In Islam

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is concerned about the increasing use of false hadis through the Internet which can result in Muslims indulging in wrong religious practices as these hadis are not derived from authentic sources. Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said those involved in posting weak and false hadis on their blogs or social web page mostly did not have basic knowledge in hadis. Hadis are sayings, practices, tacit approval or criticism ascribed validly or invalidly to Prophet Muhammad. "Most people including those involved in the cyber world do not know the status of a hadis. There are also those who cannot differentiate the sayings of the Prophet's companions or Islamic scholars from the hadis of the Prophet. They think all these share the same status," said Othman in a statement faxed to Bernama, here, Monday. He said the usage or dissemination of false hadis was haram (forbidden) as this would be a big lie on the Prophet and betrayal against the Islamic doctrine itself . "If lying is committed with an evil aim, it can be regarded as an evil thing which can cause Muslims to lose faith and confidence in Islam." He said if people wished to disseminate a hadis to the public through the print, electronic or new media, they must first refer to those well-versed in hadis or to authoritative sources. "Action can be taken against those involved under the respective state syariah criminal law which have such provisions and they can be charged in the syariah court for the offence. "In view of the offence being committed in the cyber world, the respective state religious authorities need to get the cooperation of parties with the jurisdiction and expertise in this area, particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission," he said. Othman said this would have a bigger effect considering that the false hadis could be accessed by anyone from anywhere. He said from Jakim's observation, there were still many cases of people insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad, but Jakim was always monitoring. Othman said action could also be taken against the offence of disseminating false hadis under other sections like insulting Islam and publishing of articles that were against Islam. He said such offences came under Section 13 (1) of the Federal Territory Syariah Criminal Act. -- BERNAMA