It started like many viral stories do — a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Someone accused a Lagos Uber driver of collaborating with thugs to rob a woman. Within hours, screenshots made their way to WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and TikTok comments. The story exploded. Everyone had an opinion. Most shared it.
Among the many reposts were Muslims — people who, out of outrage or curiosity, hit the “share” button without stopping to ask a simple question: Is this true?
Days later, the truth came out. The man was innocent. The accusation was false. But by then, his dignity had been torn apart, and his means of livelihood was gone.
This isn’t just about social media. It’s about human lives.
It’s about what happens when information spreads faster than verification — and when emotion moves faster than reflection.
Interestingly, the Qur’an once addressed a similar moment in history — the false accusation against our mother, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). The Qur’an didn’t just clear her name in Surah An-Nur; it turned the spotlight on those who helped spread the rumor.
“When you received it with your tongues and said with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge, and thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allah, tremendous……..”
— Surah An-Nur, 24:15–17
Notice something profound?
Only one verse was revealed to declare Aishah’s innocence — yet seven verses were revealed to correct the people who spread the false news. Seven verses of divine chastisement.
That tells us something powerful:
False news doesn’t spread itself; people spread it.
So before we share, forward, or repost, we should ask:
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Have I verified this?
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Have I heard from both sides?
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Could my post harm someone’s dignity or reputation?
In the digital age, everyone has a platform — but not everyone uses it responsibly. The Qur’an’s message from centuries ago still speaks directly to our timelines today: Pause before you post.
✍🏽 Written by Awwal— ShyUstadh Blog
Faith. Reflection. Perspective.