I advise myself and my brothers to have integrity in their writings and in their posts, lectures, and in all ways they convey knowledge to the people.
Specifically, I advise that any one who translates or conveys knowledge to the people and adds footnotes of reference to their writing or translation, that they either rely on their own research, or ascribe the research of others to them.
Meaning: That we do not take a hadeeth reference from another person and use it in our work without mentioning the source of that benefit.
This is from clarity, integrity, and fulfilling the trust of conveying knowledge in its best way.
I back this advice with some sharp words from our shaykh, the great muhaddith: al-'Allaamah Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee [d.1420], may Allaah have Mercy on him, who stated:
quote:
I have decisively determined that some of the mukharrijoon (those who make takhreej, ie. those who reference narrations to their sources and judge their authenticity) steal references from some of my books, picking them up as nice little finds. Examples of this are many, and it becomes most apparent when there is some kind of error in my reference, that which no human is free from. Or perhaps the error could be a misprint. The thief copies it as is (and puts it in his book), and is thus exposed!
(Silsilatul-Ahaadeethis-Saheehah, 1/928)
Take note at how the shaykh identified this behavior as "theft" and called the one who does it a "thief"!
It is my hope that this reminder falls upon receptive hearts, and that any heedlessness regarding this dangerous affair is shunned, and that clarity and honesty are from the foremost of our attributes! It is Allaah, the All-Seeing, All-Hearing, who we ask to actualize that.
And Allaah knows best.
And may Allaah's most perfect and complete Salaah and Salaam be upon Muhammad, the final Messenger, and all of his family, companions, and followers until the Day of Judgment.
Moosaa ibn John Richardson
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سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك
أشهد أن لا إله إلا أنت
أستغفرك وأتوب إليك