NU Ulama Rule Spreading Online Shame Permissible for Public Interest, Citing Candidate Integrity

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) scholars in Indonesia have issued a fatwa stating that the online dissemination of past shames or wrongdoings is generally prohibited under Islamic law, as it constitutes gossip (ghibah).

However, the ruling provides a significant exception: such information may be permissible if it serves a public interest, especially when evaluating the integrity and capabilities of candidates for public office or leadership positions. This decision was formalized during the Alim Ulama and Konbes (Conference of Scholars) NU 2026 in Kediri.

The scholars addressed the complex issue of the 'right to be forgotten' in the internet era, recognizing how information technology makes personal data, legal histories, and past mistakes permanently accessible. They acknowledged the potential for considerable social and psychological harm to individuals seeking to reform their lives.

KH Mahbub Ma'afi, Chairman of the PBNU's Bahtsul Masail Institute, explained that while the general principle forbids spreading shame, NU scholars agreed that exceptions exist for purposes recognized by Sharia. "Spreading someone's shame is fundamentally forbidden, but NU scholars agreed that the re-dissemination of shame can be justified if done for the sake of interests recognized by Sharia, including providing information to the public regarding the track record of potential leaders," he stated.

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Basically, spreading shame is forbidden, but NU scholars agreed that the re-dissemination of shame can be justified if done for the sake of interests recognized by Sharia, including providing information to the public regarding the track record of potential leaders.