Question
A friend confided in me some information about another person. He did so of his own accord. I did not ask him anything about the other person. After he explained the episode related to that person, he says to me: 'What I have told to you is an amaanat. It is not permissible for you to divulge it." I am of the opinion that in the interests of the other person and his family it is necessary for me to discuss the issues with them. Will it be sinful for me to do so? Am I obliged to keep the matter a secret because my friend said that it is an amaanat?
Answer
No, you are not obliged to honour something which is not an amaanat nor did you promise to retain it as a secret. An 'amaanat' cannot be imposed on a person. Your friend had merely committed gheebat about the other person. If you deem it beneficial to discuss the issue with the other person, you are free to do so.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 28 No 05
- PDF page
- 2
Appears under | SALAAT IN THE PLANE | (approximate).