and then conceals it, the Prophet ﷺ warned that he will be muzzled on the Day of Resurrection with a bridle of fire—meaning a fiery halter will be fastened upon his mouth; we ask Allah for safety. This threat applies when you know that the questioner is seeking guidance, for in that case it is not permissible for you to withhold what Allah has revealed after you have been asked about it.

If, however, you know that he is asking only to put you to the test and does not intend to seek guidance so that he may learn and act, you are at liberty: should you wish, teach him; and should you wish, refrain from teaching him. Allah the Exalted says, “If they come to you, then judge between them, or turn away from them” (Q 5:42). Allah knew that certain people would come to the Prophet ﷺ to obtain his ruling not in order to act upon it, but merely to see what he would say.

Likewise, if you know that issuing a fatwa would lead to serious harm, there is no objection to postponing the fatwa—not concealing it outright, but deferring it until a time when benefit will be served. At times a fatwa, were you to give it immediately, could open the door to evil and corruption. Therefore, if you perceive that it would cause harm and you delay your answer, you incur no blame. Allah alone grants success.

1391 – Abū Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever acquires knowledge that is normally sought for Allah’s sake, yet learns it only to obtain some worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection”—meaning its scent. Reported by Abū Dāwūd with a sound chain.