Is it permissible to follow one's father to ascertain whether he is speaking with a foreign woman, knowing that it is permissible for him to marry a second wife, or is it better to conceal his matter?
A Muslim must avoid ill-suspicion, spying, and seeking out the faults of others, especially parents. Concealing the faults of a Muslim is obligatory, and it has been narrated in the : "Whoever conceals [the fault of] a Muslim, Allah will conceal him in this world and the Hereafter." It is not permissible to investigate the father to confirm suspicions, for it has been said: "And if you suspect, do not investigate." If it becomes clear that the father's action violates the , then he must be advised gently, courteously, and respectfully, in accordance with Allah's saying: "So do not say to them [anything that indicates] disapproval and do not reprimand them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy." Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: "If he sees his father doing something he dislikes, he should inform him without violence or abuse, and not be harsh in speech towards him, otherwise, he should leave it. And a father is not like a stranger."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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