What a Muslim should conceal

A person should conceal the shortcomings of the next person. It is not permissible for a Muslim being a Muslim to disclose the shortcomings of the next person. Just as it is Haraam to consume beer, wine and swine, similarly, it is also Haraam to disclose the shortcomings of a person.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "...The one who conceals (the shortcomings) of a Muslim, Allah Ta’ala will conceal his shortcomings in this world and in the Aakhirah."

This principle of concealing and not disclosing the shortcomings of a person applies as long as it does not affect the interest of another person. However, if it becomes a danger or a threat to another person, then the parties concerned should be warned so that they can take their precaution and do not fall into a trap. For example, if we know that a person is planning to fool a person, rob a person, cause harm to a person or conspire to kill a person, then in such cases, it is our duty to warn that person so that he may take the necessary steps and does not become a victim.

In such a situation, we should not conceal. Similarly, we should tell the whole truth to a person who wants to get information regarding a person to whom he wants to send a marriage proposal. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"A person who is contacted for advice, (should always be) a person who acts with honesty."

[English version of "Ceki ene musulman bizin cachiette" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.7]