Considerations to keep in mind when invited to WhatsApp Groups for Dawah, sharing knowledge, or facilitating study circle announcements

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Exalted] says:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا يَكُونُ مِن نَّجْوَىٰ ثَلَٰثَةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ رَابِعُهُمْ وَلَا خَمْسَةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ سَادِسُهُمْ وَلَآ أَدْنَىٰ مِن ذَٰلِكَ وَلَآ أَكْثَرَ إِلَّا هُوَ مَعَهُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كَانُوا۟ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Have you not seen that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth? There is no Najwa (secret counsel) of three, but He is their fourth (with His Knowledge, while He Himself is over the Throne, over the seventh heaven), nor of five but He is their sixth (with His Knowledge), not of less than that or more, but He is with them (with His Knowledge) wheresoever they may be; and afterwards on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of what they did. Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything. [Al-Mujadilah Ayah 7]

Many years ago, when individuals experienced seclusion following reprimands for their misdeeds or for aligning themselves with those who exhibited reprehensible conduct, their options were severely limited. They were compelled to confront the repercussions head-on, either through private counsel or public denunciation. The avenues of communication available to them were exceedingly restricted, confined solely to telephone conversations and the languid internet. Consequently, even if they resolved to persist in their deleterious actions, they were acutely aware that they would perpetually face direct confrontation and meticulous interrogation, leaving no room for ambiguity in their words or convictions.

Currently, it is quite effortless for individuals with poor behaviour to create WhatsApp groups where those spreading doubts can freely propagate ambiguities, insinuations, half-truths etc. This leaves readers without anyone to help clarify uncertainties in the content, leaving them at the mercy of the original sharer. Therefore, before accepting an invitation to join a WhatsApp group, ensure that it is either administered by a Salafi Masjid Admin or Markaz, and seek guidance from a senior Salafi student. Nowadays, some individuals establish WhatsApp groups for various purposes, therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and discernment when deciding which groups to join. Opt for those created by Salafi Masjid Admins or Maraakiz, or those where distinguished senior students of knowledge or promising younger students of knowledge, recognised for their exemplary conduct, integrity, and modesty by their seniors, are participating. We advise you to seek the counsel of esteemed elders within the Salafi communities before joining any WhatsApp group. Finally, this advice is not intended to hinder your access to the numerous benefits that may arise from such groups, but rather, it serves as a protective measure during a time when individuals harbour hidden agendas, exploit WhatsApp groups as a platform to propagate their grievances or sow seeds of doubt, clandestinely gathering supporters until they can unleash their disruptive intentions, ultimately causing discord and disunity among Ahlus Sunnah. The decision ultimately rests in your hands regarding whether you wish to join a WhatsApp Group. However, it is crucial to bear in mind the importance of thoroughly evaluating and understanding an individual’s circumstances before deciding to join them, particularly given the limited opportunity for direct clarification or resolution of any uncertainties that may arise within the group. And Allah knows best.