Can Muslims Correct False Media Claims About Non-Muslim Countries?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it sinful to defend a non-Muslim country from false accusations or to present it in a balanced light? If I speak against media exaggeration about a non-Muslim country without supporting its ideology or actions, have I committed a sin by defending disbelievers or helping them against Muslims?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Defending the truth is a virtue, but one must always weigh this against the broader context of loyalty to the believers and the potential consequences of such statements. Standing with the truth, even when speaking about non-Muslims, does not mean compromising one’s allegiance to the Muslim community, and sensitivity and wisdom are required in such situations. And Allah knows best.

Details

Standing up for the truth is part of faith, including speaking the truth when it is difficult, even if it is against oneself or one’s loved ones. Allah commands us in the Quran:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” [Quran, 4:135]

Tariq ibn Shihab reported: A man asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) while he had his leg in the stirrup, “Which jihad is best?” The Prophet said,

“A word of truth before a tyrannical ruler.” [Nasa’i]

This illustrates that upholding justice is a moral duty. Sometimes, that means speaking out against injustice even if it may not align with our personal interests or affiliations. This applies to all situations where the truth must be defended, whether the parties involved are Muslims or non-Muslims.

Know Your Allies

It is fundamentally important to distinguish between standing up for the truth and aligning oneself with the believers’ enemies, especially those who actively cause harm to the innocent. In Sacred Law, loyalty to the believers and support for their well-being form part of one’s faith, particularly when they are oppressed. Allah makes it clear:

“O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do you wish to give Allah against yourselves a clear case?” [Quran, 4:144]

This highlights the principle that when dealing with the enemies of Islam, especially those who oppress Muslims or act against their interests, believers must show allegiance to one another rather than to the adversaries of their faith.

Therefore, challenging media exaggerations or misinformation regarding a non-Muslim country is not inherently sinful. It is acceptable to rectify inaccuracies or to discuss an issue in a balanced manner, provided that this does not involve endorsing the wrongdoings or ideologies of that country. The main point is to maintain justice and truthfulness in all matters, even when interacting with non-Muslim entities.

Should you choose to pursue the defence in question, it is critical to do so with wisdom, especially considering the historical and political realities that have profoundly affected the Muslims. Muslims should stay mindful of the pain and suffering endured by their fellow believers, particularly those who face oppression, and be cautious not to support those who cause harm to the umma inadvertently.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.