Islamic Insights on “Strengthening Information Integrity in the Humanitarian Context”

April 10, 2025

The representative of I.M.A.M. at the UN participated in the “Strengthening Information Integrity in the Humanitarian Context” webinar, co-organized by the International Studies Association (ISA) Collaboration Committee and the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) of the UN Department of Global Communications, held on April 9, 2025. The event was a discussion on strengthening information integrity in the humanitarian context. Technological advances have revolutionized communications, connecting people on an unprecedented scale, supporting communities in crisis, and elevating marginalized voices. Yet, these same advances have heightened risks to information integrity, undermining trust, shared understanding, and public discourse. This event explored the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity, which envision an information ecosystem that fosters trust, promotes responsible innovation, and empowers individuals and communities worldwide.

We now share part of his insights regarding the topic of the webinar in general, as well as from an Islamic/Shiite perspective.

According to the 2023 Democracy Report by the V-Dem Institute, approximately 72% of the world’s population, equating to around 5.7 billion people, live under some form of autocratic rule. This report highlights a significant global shift towards authoritarianism, marking a reversal to levels of democracy not seen since 1986. As we know, such regimes oppose free and independent information. They try to deceive their audience by preventing the publication of reliable news and sometimes even by publishing false news, such as to conceal war crimes that have occurred.

In a world where we are confronted daily with a vast amount of information — true, false, and selectively presented (which reflects part of the truth but hides other aspects) — we must pay attention to our responsibility. From an Islamic/Shiite perspective, the following guidelines are helpful:

“O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient person with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful” (Quran 49:6).

“Do not narrate to others everything you hear, for merely repeating what has been said (without verifying its credibility) is enough to make you guilty of lying” (Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 69).

“He who listens to a speaker has worshipped him; if the speaker conveys from God, he has worshipped God, but if the speaker conveys from Satan, he has worshipped Satan” (Al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-Uqool, p. 456).

In a broader sense, from this hadith, it can be understood that if the speaker, writer, or media source reflects the truth, using their words, reports, and writings is permissible. However, trusting sources that do not reflect the truth is akin to trusting in Satan, which leads only to destruction.

To counter these destructive efforts from the distributors of false information and fake news, the public must be called upon to adopt a critical mindset. A critical mindset refers to the ability to think clearly, rationally, and analytically, questioning assumptions, beliefs, and information in order to evaluate its truth, relevance, and validity. It involves actively engaging with ideas, concepts, or problems and being willing to challenge one’s thoughts and opinions, as well as the perspectives of others. A critical mindset isn’t just about finding faults or criticizing but rather about seeking deeper understanding, recognizing biases, and striving for informed, well-reasoned conclusions.

Key components of a critical mindset include:

1. Open-mindedness: Willingness to consider alternative perspectives and ideas.
2. Questioning assumptions: Challenging accepted norms, ideas, and beliefs to see if they hold up to scrutiny.
3. Evidence-based thinking: Basing conclusions on facts, data, and rational arguments rather than emotions, stereotypes, or hearsay.
4. Reflection: Regularly reflect on one’s own thinking and decisions, recognize personal biases, and consider how these may affect judgment.
5. Problem-solving: Analyzing problems systematically and thinking through possible solutions in a structured manner.
6. Constructive skepticism: Asking questions and evaluating information critically without falling into cynicism or negativity.

In practical terms, cultivating a critical mindset allows individuals to engage more effectively with complex issues, make better decisions, and contribute to meaningful discussions, especially in policy, ethics, and social justice. It’s an essential skill in education, work, and life in general.

In conclusion, the importance of information integrity in humanitarian contexts cannot be overstated. By embracing a critical mindset grounded in Islamic values of truth and justice, we can navigate the complexities of today’s information landscape and contribute to a more informed, just, and compassionate world.