Is it permissible to withhold knowledge when from a person, for fearthat they may misuse, misinterpret(unintentional due to a lack of foundationof knowledge), or unappropraitely apply it?

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Is it obligation to give knowledge when asked? For example, if someone asks if it is permissible for a wife to sing to a husband or her baby. Based on the character of the person asking the question , one is afraid the questioner may deduce that music and singing is permissible in all cases. However your answer was just in relationship to singing to the baby. If one feels his answer maybe misapplied, what should be done?

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

To withhold knowledge is a major sin. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'That person who asked about anything (in Shari'ah and conceals it), on the day of Qiyaamat, a reign of fire will be placed for him.

To abuse knowledge is also a major sin. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'To give (Islamic) knowledge to an undeserving person is like casting pearls on the neck of a swine.' Based on your example, it is permissible for the wife, mother to sing for the husband and child respectively if there is no music played during singing.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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