‘Speech key to unity or discord'

Arab Times

11 hours ago

KUWAIT CITY, June 21: In a Friday sermon distributed to imams and preachers titled, 'The Responsibility of Words,' the Ministry of Islamic Affairs underscored the power of speech -- especially in the age of social media -- to maintain unity or incite chaos. The sermon pointed out that a single social media post, tweet, or video clip could shield a nation from grave harm or ignite strife that leaves lasting destruction.
This is part of governmental efforts to highlight the serious risks posed by rumors, misinformation, and unverified content circulating online, particularly their impact on social cohesion and national unity. The ministry called for vigilance and restraint, urging people to avoid conflict, division, and discord. It emphasized that unity, harmony, mutual affection, and the gathering of hearts are not only moral virtues but religious imperatives as well. It added that anything that causes alienation, division, and the tearing apart of communities is strictly forbidden in Islam. It reminded individuals of their duty to promote love, brotherhood, and unity. It warned against interfering in matters beyond one's knowledge or concern, and against shaping opinions based on incomplete or false information. It also stressed the need to avoid becoming tools exploited by malicious actors -- whether fools or enemies -- who use others to spread falsehoods and sow division. 'In today's world, a word is no longer confined to its speaker or a specific location.
A message can reach the farthest corners of the world in an instant. A tweet may spark blind strife. A video clip can awaken the ignorance of the ignorant. A single word can protect a nation or destroy it,' the ministry asserted. It described reckless speech as a sign of immaturity, weak judgment, and lack of wisdom. 'Speaking carelessly – without reflection, verification, or concern for consequences – is labeled as dangerous behavior condemned by Islamic teachings. Sharing unverified information, especially if it infringes on others' honor or dignity, is associated with hypocrisy and warned against in the Sharia,' the ministry stressed.
It asked rhetorically: 'What human flaw is more hideous than lying? What sin is more destructive than spreading rumors that corrupt individuals, destroy communities, and incite strife among people?' It also criticized those who casually circulate fabricated 'Hadiths', unfounded stories, or rare tales without scrutiny; thus, knowingly or unknowingly, becoming propagators of falsehood. It added that misinformation spreads rapidly, often with just a click, and reminded that the Sharia warns of severe punishment for those who engage in such behavior.