Hacking anti-Islam websites Fatwa No: 179907
- Fatwa Date:22-5-2012
Salam alaikum wa rahmatAllah wa barakatuhu, As I often google islamic pictures for my Blog I often see anti-islamic websites, but yesterday I came to a website (http://thereligionofpeace.com/-the politically incorrect truth about islam one really messed up religion) and it is by far the worst and most slanderous website about Islam and Rasul Allah, sal Allahu alayhi wa salam, that I have ever seen. I got very angry about those lies on that website and sent that link to fellow Muslims and asked if they know someone who can bring it down. I do not know if what I did was ok or maybe haram, but what shocked me even more and made me even more angry was, that only one sister also became upset. All the others reacted relaxed and unconcerned, they did not care and said things like "Allah is the Best Planner" and one should be patient. That is of course correct and I responded also like that but added that this doesn't mean, we should just sit around and do nothing and just watch how disbelievers slander our beloved Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa salam, and the religion of Islam. Of course we do not react with violence that endangers innocent, but there has to be another way to stop the lies about Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger, sal Allahu alayhi wa salam. But also this they did not understand, they were not angry and they were not upset and not concerned and none of them participated in my attempt to try to find a way to stop that most evil website from spreading lies. Now my questions: I am against hacking and stealing private information from people but would it be islamically allowed to hack a website to stop it from spreading lies about Islam or did I commit a sin and have to repent? Is it ok for a Muslim to not get upset, angry or displeased in any way when seeing such tremendous slander and is it wrong from my side to become angry and upset? Please guide me. Salam alaikum wa rahmatAllah wa barakatuhu Nuha
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Indeed, you did well by being angry when the limits of Allaah are violated, and this is Islamically required. This is indeed a sign of one's goodness. Allaah Says (what means): {That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allaah — it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.} [Quran 22:30]
The Prophet used to get very angry when the limits of Allaah were transgressed. Anas narrated: “I have never seen the Prophet taking revenge for himself on anything except if the limits of Allaah were transgressed, if one of the limits of Allaah was transgressed, he would be the most angry person for the sake of Allaah.” [At-Tabaraani]
As regards destroying the existing sites on the Internet that are attacking Islam, defaming it and inventing slanders and lies against it, then this is something required and it is a legitimate and blessed act.
However, this matter depends on the advantages and disadvantages resulting from it. Therefore, if it is possible to do so without causing a greater evil, then one should do so. Also, the misconceptions which such sites raise should be refuted by Islamic sites.
For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 87984.
Allaah Knows best.