SirZubair,
Jazaakallah khayr for your comments and feedback. You're not the only individual to voice concern over the issue of PMs, and something similar was asked to a shaykh on another board, his reply was.
Quote:
We have 2 scenarios here:
1- a person who tries to see what's going on for no reason, just being noasy and maybe without others knowing that he knows what they're doing! If this is the case then it should be stopped.
The prophet sallallahu aliahi wasallam says: "Deeds depend on their intentions".
2- A person who needs to see what's going on for a reason such as being a moderator or so, in this case, you can do that even if they don't like it, or even if they don't allow it as long as your doing it for the sake of the website.
Now there's a third case where people just don't mind letting others see what's going on. And that's fine.
|
The next question was:
Quote:
Shaikh,
What about the 4th scenario where we make it very clear to everyone that their activity is not secret to the moderators at all? Since participation in this forum is optional, is that an okay condition to place?
|
And the answer:
Quote:
|
Yes, it's ok from their side since they gave the approval. But what about your side? Having their approval doesn't mean you can see their information even if there's no need to do so! You have to have a good cause!
|
The cause which we use it for, is to avoid fitnah which can be caused when PMs are sent between the two genders. And those are the only PMs we do view, those which are sent from a bro to a sis and vice versa. Besides, it's has been made clear to everyone that PMs are being monitored. There have been situations when a discussion between a brother and a sister has gone too far, and in need of intervention. We are instructed to 'Enjoin in what is good, and forbid the evil', we are in a position of authority and are capable of stopping some evil.