Coming to the religious jurisprudence of using virtual social networks

Document Type : Research (Normal Review)

Authors

1 The manager of Islamic studies in English

2 Faculty member, Islamic sciences university, Razavi branch

3 Howzeh

Abstract

Social networks are the modern phenomena which have influenced personal and general aspects of human life at international level and it will have more everlasting effects on human life in the future. In Islamic jurisprudence, Shar’i rulings of social media usage can be deduced from two different categories of contradictory arguments. In one side shar’i rulings like reading kutub al-dalla (destructive books) is forbidden, propagation of lechery and falsehood is prohibited, prohibition of spreading destruction in the earth, naafi sabeel (rule which reject all kinds of mastery) and the obligation of self-defense from possible danger etc. say that the usage of social networks is forbidden. On the other hand, Shar’i rulings which emphasize the necessity of paying attention to Muslims affairs, necessity of ordering good and prohibiting evil and the rule that reject any burden or unbearable task etc. describe that social networks usage is lawful. In this research paper arguments, resources and fatwas in the jurisprudent books have been deeply assessed and it is included that in fact social networks is an accurate source to benefit positively and its possible inaccurate usage does not make it totally forbidden. In the same way usage of social media in its original form is allowed, especially for those who are master in its positive usage. Sometimes it becomes obligatory to use social media to preach, spread and support Islam and values of Islamic revolution. But if the usage of social network cause lechery, falsehood, destruction and corruption to spread or enemy to be strong then it is forbidden and Islamic government is responsible to decrease its danger and harms by controlling and filtering some of the destructive networks.

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