Writing down people’s complaints – among whom are wrongdoers – so that they may submit them to the courts
Question I am not really a scribe but people come to me so that I can write a draft etc for them when they make complaints and appeals to the courts. Just as one who has a valid claim may come to you, so too those who have false claims may also come, and both…
Question
Praise be to Allah.
If you are writing down people’s complaints and appeals as
they are dictated by the people, and you do not know whether they are true
or not, there is no sin on you for what you write down for them. Whatever
sins or errors result from that without your knowledge, the sin is on the
one who said it.
But if you know that what they are asking you to write down
for them is a lie or falsehood, then it is not permissible for you to write
it for them, because in that case it is helping them with falsehood and sin,
and Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue,
righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and
transgression”
[al-Maa’idah 5:2]
“And argue not on behalf of those who deceive themselves.
Verily, Allaah does not like anyone who is a betrayer, sinner”
[al-Nisa’ 4:107]
You should advise those
who you know are lying and remind them of Allaah and of the warning issued
to those who tell lies and make false claims, in the hope that they will
accept this advice and give up their claims.
And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send
blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and
companions.
