Is it permissible for me to publish my story, devoid of details or anything that reveals my identity, so that young people may benefit from it, knowing that this story includes major mistakes I committed in my life?
We praise Him, glory be to Him, and ask Him to perfect His blessings upon you and keep you steadfast in piety, for the the hearts of servants are between the hands of Allah, He turns them as He wills. The general rule is that openly declaring one's sins is forbidden, but exceptions are made for cases where there is an overriding benefit. We do not see the permissibility of writing your story and the sins you committed with the intention of giving advice, because spreading scandalous stories may lead to revealing your identity despite Allah's concealment of your sins. The seriousness of this approach is further emphasized if your sins included heinous acts, for mentioning and spreading such matters is predominantly corrupting, as it undermines people's awe of heinous acts and trivializes the matter in their souls. The admonitions and deterrents of the Quran are sufficient, and for those whom they are not sufficient, the news and stories of people will not deter them. The Holy Quran is the best of stories.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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