Fatwa #37727 August 2000Pakistan
Is it permissible to withhold knowledge when from a person, for fearthat they may misuse, misinterpret(unintentional due to a lack of foundationof knowledge), or unappropraitely apply it?
Question
Is it obligation to give knowledge when asked? For example, if someone asks if it is permissible for a wife to sing to a husband or her baby. Based on the character of the person asking the question , one is afraid the questioner may deduce that music and singing is permissible in all cases. However your answer was just in relationship to singing to the baby. If one feels his answer maybe misapplied, what should be done?
Answer
To withhold knowledge is a major sin. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) said, 'That person who asked about anything (in Shari'ah and
conceals it), on the day of Qiyaamat, a reign of fire will be placed for
him.
To abuse knowledge is also a major sin. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi
Wasallam) said, 'To give (Islamic) knowledge to an undeserving person is
like casting pearls on the neck of a swine.' Based on your example, it is
permissible for the wife, mother to sing for the husband and child
respectively if there is no music played during singing.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Wasallam) said, 'That person who asked about anything (in Shari'ah and
conceals it), on the day of Qiyaamat, a reign of fire will be placed for
him.
To abuse knowledge is also a major sin. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi
Wasallam) said, 'To give (Islamic) knowledge to an undeserving person is
like casting pearls on the neck of a swine.' Based on your example, it is
permissible for the wife, mother to sing for the husband and child
respectively if there is no music played during singing.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai