Ruling on mentioning certain crimes from the pulpits
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The questioner: Some preachers mention in their sermons certain crimes that occur between spouses, or in the markets, or the like. Is this considered spreading scandal among the Muslims?
What I see for preachers is that they should not raise any issue in the sermon they deliver before the people, unless the matter has become famous, widespread, and prevalent. However, if it is a single case involving something that is greatly condemned, then it is obligatory for a person to contact the one who did this and advise him, because if the matter is mentioned, it becomes the talk of the people, and when tongues chew on it, it becomes easy for souls, resulting in more harm than benefit. But if it has become famous, for example, then there is nothing wrong with it. Likewise, if this matter contradicts a known command, such as the case of Barirah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she came to the Mother of the Believers, Aishah, seeking her help in paying off the debt of her contract of manumission, and Aishah said: “On the condition that the clientage (wala') is mine,” but Barirah's people refused except that the clientage be theirs, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Aishah: “Take her and stipulate the clientage for them, then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood up to preach to the people and said: “What is the matter with people who stipulate conditions that are not in the Book of Allah?” This was the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in order to legislate this ruling for the people, or to clarify to the people the ruling of those who stipulated a condition that is not from the Book of Allah, and that their conditions are invalid.
In any case, I see that the wrongdoings committed by individuals that do not become famous among the people should not be spread among the people, lest tongues chew on them, making these wrongdoings easy for souls. But if they become widespread and prevalent, then it is necessary to speak about them.
What I see for preachers is that they should not raise any issue in the sermon they deliver before the people, unless the matter has become famous, widespread, and prevalent. However, if it is a single case involving something that is greatly condemned, then it is obligatory for a person to contact the one who did this and advise him, because if the matter is mentioned, it becomes the talk of the people, and when tongues chew on it, it becomes easy for souls, resulting in more harm than benefit. But if it has become famous, for example, then there is nothing wrong with it. Likewise, if this matter contradicts a known command, such as the case of Barirah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she came to the Mother of the Believers, Aishah, seeking her help in paying off the debt of her contract of manumission, and Aishah said: “On the condition that the clientage (wala') is mine,” but Barirah's people refused except that the clientage be theirs, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Aishah: “Take her and stipulate the clientage for them, then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood up to preach to the people and said: “What is the matter with people who stipulate conditions that are not in the Book of Allah?” This was the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in order to legislate this ruling for the people, or to clarify to the people the ruling of those who stipulated a condition that is not from the Book of Allah, and that their conditions are invalid.
In any case, I see that the wrongdoings committed by individuals that do not become famous among the people should not be spread among the people, lest tongues chew on them, making these wrongdoings easy for souls. But if they become widespread and prevalent, then it is necessary to speak about them.