5 Basic Rules to Remember When Commenting

I wanted to talk to you for a moment about some basics when it comes to commenting on blogs.  Commenting, as you all know, is one of the trademarks of blogs and one of the reasons people enjoy going to (and starting) blogs.  What the community has to say about a post, what YOU have to say about a post, and how the writer of the blog responds – all of that goes into the comments sections.

But, just because you have the ability to write whatever you want in the comments section doesn’t mean you should.  Remember that every thought in our heads and every letter we type, Allah (swt) knows about it.  Remember – you will be held accountable for what you say when the Day of Judgment comes.

Here are 5 basic rules to remember before you leave a comment on any blog (including your own).

1.    Be Respectful – It doesn’t matter what blog you decide to comment on, remember that being respectful is not an option.

2.    Do Not Curse – The Prophet (saw) said that those who use vulgar language are not from among us (i.e. Muslims).  Vulgar language does not necessarily have to be that of the tongue – it can come in the form of typed letters on a keyboard.

3.    If You’re Not a Mehram… – Islam is very clear about the type of permissible communication between men and women.  Commenting on a blog does not release you of these limits.  This doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be beneficial dialogue, but it does mean that you should fear Allah (swt) in the comments you write when they deal with members of the opposite sex.

4.    No Spamming – Whenever you comment, you are given the option to have a link placed back to your site.  While this is a great way to get traffic to your blog, that doesn’t give you the right to just spam blogs with useless comments.  It is even worse if you write a comment just to tell others to visit your site.  If you want people to take you seriously then write something useful.

5.    Know Your Limits – This is super important and even more so when commenting on a post that talks about Islam.  The vast majority of us are not scholars, but when it comes to writing comments on blogs, we all of a sudden become the greatest scholar in the Ummah.  Fear Allah (swt) brothers and sisters.  In real life, you have to say “I don’t know”.  Online it is even easier – just don’t say anything!