Passing On Everything You Hear

كَفَى بِالْمَرْءِ كَذِبًا أَنْ يُحَدِّثَ بِكُلِّ مَا سَمِعَ

It is enough of a lie for a man to pass on everything he hears. Narrated by Muslim (4)

Weigh it first

When news reaches you, weigh whether it holds up first. No need to rush, or to show off that I’m the one who knows.

If you must pass it on

If it seems important enough to share — and you can’t confirm it — attach a clear, plain disclaimer. So whoever receives it knows where it stands, and your credibility stays intact.

There is better news to spread

Plenty of other clear, obvious things are worth spreading: love between husband and wife, love between parents and children, reminding each other to pray, stopping what is wrong.

For the murky stuff, leave it as something you merely heard about. No need to blow it up — other reports are more useful.

Wallahua’lam.

Inspiration: Muftiwp website