Bismillahi Al-Rahmani Al-Rahim

A Minor Point of Adab

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It is better to avoid using phrases like:

I was informed by someone that you...

or:

        Someone told me that you...

when asking questions.  We Muslims used to use chains of attribution to guarantee the authenticity of our religion. Even non-Muslims are familiar with the term "baseless" and know when writing a 4th grade research paper that you have to cite references. When someone hides attribution, it is only because he has something to hide. When the person asked sees that the one asking is not playing straight and is acting somewhat deceptive, what sort of answers do you expect them do give?

And for the people who keep sending questions intentionally misrepresenting the Hanbali madhhab: Do you truly feel safe from the all-intrusive surveillance of the Almighty? The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) has informed us of three situations where it is lawful to lie: war, between spouses, and reconciling between individuals. Which of these three applies here?

wa al-salamu `alaykum
--musa

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