Current day methods of communication

Sep 5, 2023 | Character And Mannerism

QUESTION:

What Are The Ettiquettes Of Communicating In Our Modern Times of Technology?

Nowadays, social visits are less and people rarely use the telephone also to communicate. With regards to using social media as a platform to ‘talk’ in recent times, what are the sunnah ways of communicating?

If someone greets with Salaam is it necessary to respond to their Salaam? Is there any sin to avoid replying with “Wa’alaikum us Salaam”?

Also, in a day if a person sends 10 messages to the same person throughout the day, is it necessary to send 10 greetings with each message?

When a question is posed, the reply is an emoji of some sort. Would this be the correct way of replying?

When a close relative’s serious health condition is asked, a reply of “Alhamdulillah, they are recovering”, is received, instead of informing of the condition of the person’s health. Is this acceptable?

When asking a close person (child) how they are, reply of “Alhamdulillah” is sent. Indeed, all praises is due to Allah, but the person has not shared how they felt?

What and how we say things affects relationships. What is the correct way of communicating? (Also accepting that saying less is better, but informing correctly too is important and Duas can be made accordingly)

ANSWER:

Social media is one of the most common means of communication, hence the etiquettes of communication will be applicable to it. When greeted with Salaam in person, it is Waajib to respond with ‘Wa’alaikum us Salaam,’ hence when greeted by a fellow Muslim brother on social media, one should also reply appropriately as required in Shariah.

It is not necessary to reply in writing when greeted on social media. A verbal reply will also suffice. If one intends replying verbally, then he should do so immediately as he could forget at a later stage. Even if one is greeted ten times a day, then yes, one should reply to the greeting every time.

ويجب رد جواب كتاب التحية  لأن الكتاب من الغائب بمنزلة الخطاب من الحاضر

مجتبى  والناس عنه غافلون ط

أقول المتبادر من هذا أن المراد رد سلام الكتاب لا رد الكتاب لكن في الجامع الصغير للسيوطي رد جواب الكتاب حق كرد السلام

قال شارحه المناوي أي إذا كتب لك رجل بالسلام في كتاب ووصل إليك وجب عليك الرد باللفظ أو بالمراسلة وبه صرح جمع شاعفية وهو مذهب ابن عباس (حاشية ابن عابدين ص415 ج6)

If by sending an emoji (such as a heart), the opposite party does not receive an explicit reply or answer and is left in confusion, then a proper answer should be provided. One should not cause any inconvenience to the opposite party by not providing an explicit answer. Yes, by using the ‘thumbs up’ emoji, one is indicating towards his approval, hence there is no issue in using the said emoji. However, when discussing with a senior, etiquette demands that a clear answer is presented with respect and honour. In conclusion, if a clear answer is achieved by using the emoji, then using the emoji will be acceptable, otherwise a clear answer should be provided.

By replying with ‘Alhamdulillah, they are recovering’, there is no issue particularly if the patient is really recovering and improving. When Mufti Shafi Saheb Rahimahullah once asked his Ustaad, Hadrat Maulana Mia Asghar Hussein Saheb Rahimahullah regarding to his health, he responded by saying, “Alhamdulillah, I am able to see, hear, move around, etc. but I have a little fever.” His fever was 105 degrees on that day. Hence, there is no harm if one praises Allah Ta’ala for the bounties that one is enjoying even during illness, and then states that he is on his way to recovery. This statement indicates that he is still ill although the details haven’t been disclosed.

If a child responds by saying ‘Alhamdulillah’, then it is generally understood in our context as everything being in order. Hence, here too, the reply is in order. A child will generally inform his parents if he was experiencing any sort of problems and wouldn’t just suffice with the praises of Almighty Allah.

It is correct that speaking incorrectly affects one’s relationship. Hence, various etiquettes and rules of speech have been discussed in detail in Surah Hujuraat. By mocking others, defaming them, etc. relationships are ruined, and enmity is created. Hence, one should always maintain the respect and honour of others even though they may be junior in age.

If one is not comfortable sharing their personal information (such as health test results, or other personal information), then they are entitled to do so. However, one may still continue making Dua that Allah Ta’ala blesses them with good health, keeps them with Aafiyah, protects their Imaan, grants one and all death upon Imaan, and showers His mercy upon all, etc. Our Dua is for the Ummah at large.

 ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

 ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date:- 18 Safar 1445 / 04 September 2023

 

 

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