Blogging and Accountability

Writing and Blogging on the Internet and its Accountability

Today many people have blogs and are active participants in the blogosphere and other social network sites and forums on the internet.

But how many of us immerse into and follow the ethics, etiquette and definite accountability associated with writing?

How many of us realize the reach that our writing would have and that we will be answerable for the same on the day of judgment?

Al-Qa’nabi once found his teacher Imam Malik crying profusely, so he is asked him the reason for the weeping.

Imam Malik responded: “Who is more worthy of crying than me. I do not speak a word except that it is written by the pens and spread in the lands.” [Tartib al-Madarik 1/75]

Imam Malik (rahimahullah) is crying because he realizes the consequences of his words on the Day of Judgement, yet today we write recklessly and irresponsibly on the social networks and forums without an iota of concern for our reckoning on the Day of Judgement.

The most important events that will happen on the Day of Judgement are when we will be held accountable for our deeds and when we will be questioned by our Lord Allah (subhanahu ta’ala). There are many Quranic verses that tell us about these. Allah says in the Quran:

“Closer and closer to mankind comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away.” [Surah Al Anbiya, 21:1]

Also, He says:

“For to Us will be their return; Then it will be for Us to call them to account.” [Surah Al Ghashiyah, 88:25-26]

Also, He says:

“Then shall we question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it. And verily, We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent (at any time or place).” [Surah Al A’raf, 7:6-7]

Also, He says:

“And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for surely the hearing, or the sight, the heart all of those shall be questioned of.” [Surah Al Isra’, 17:36]

Also, He says:

“The Unbelievers think that they will not be raised up (for Judgment). Say: “Yea, By my Lord, Ye shall surely be raised up: then shall ye be told (the truth) of all that ye did. And that is easy for God.”” [Surah Al Taghabun, 64:7]

Also, He says:

“Who doth more wrong than those who invent a lie against God? They will be turned back to the presence of their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord! Behold! the Curse of God is on those who do wrong!-“ [Surah Hud, 11:18]

May Allah save us and protect us.