Internet Usage in Islam Perspective that Should be Known by Muslims

In this era, the use of the internet has become a daily necessity for all humans on earth. This era made all lines of human life connected to the internet. In other words, this condition is referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT).

Many technologies have been created at this time, ranging from smartphones, laptops, to artificial intelligence. This very rapid technological development certainly has a variety of impacts on human life, whether it’s positive or negative impacts.

Check the effects of technology in Islam, but it can also be very detrimental to humans. Islam also has its own views on the use of internet technology in the daily use of Muslims. What do Muslims think of the internet usage in Islam’s perspective? The following review is for you.

Internet in General

In general, the internet has a meaning as a global communication network that connects one person with others through an electronic media intermediary that has been arranged in such a way that they are connected to each other.

At present, our society is no longer separated from the internet in its life. Almost every second of their lives is connected to the internet, from waking up to going to sleep again.

Many things they can do from the internet, such as selling, connecting with relatives far away from them, exchanging information and knowledge with others, and much more.

Many various platforms began to be created through this internet network, such as buying and selling applications (e-commerce), entertainment, social media, learning, and many more.

Social media applications include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. While for entertainment sites there are YouTube, Spotify, Joox, and others. For buying and selling sites there are Shopee, Amazon, eBay, and many more.

In fact, you could say the community at this time can be referred to as the internet community. This is because indeed every joint of human life continues to be connected to the internet.

It’s just that, with the rapid development of this technology, high wisdom is needed in using it. Therefore, we all need to pay attention to ethical guidelines in using the internet.

Use of the Internet in Islam

With the condition of the internet which is very influential in human life, as what was stated in the previous point, Islam also has its own view of the internet.

The internet does have two sides of a coin for Muslims themselves, both the benefits and the impact. What is usually the most highlighted by Islam is in terms of interacting and downloading information originating from the internet.

In this case, Islam has governed the use of the internet in several verses in the Koran. Here are some verses that are meant:

1. Al-Hajj verse 30

ذلك ومن يعظم حرمت ٱلله فهو خير له عند ربه وأحلت لكم ٱلأنعم إلا ما يتلى عليكم فٱجتنبوا ٱلرجس من ٱلأوثن وٱجتنبوا قول ٱلزور

“Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honors the sacred rites of God, for him it is good in the Sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in Pilgrimage) are cattle, except those mentioned to you (as exception): but shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false,-“(Al-Hajj verse 30)

In this verse, Muslims are strictly prohibited from using the internet as a means of spreading rumors or false information. Hence, we have to know about the dangers of gossip in Islam.

So, when delivering information, Muslims are asked to convey it properly, not manipulate, and manipulate facts.

2. An-Nahl verse 125

ٱدع إلى سبيل ربك بٱلحكمة وٱلموعظة ٱلحسنة وجدلهم بٱلتى هى أحسن إن ربك هو أعلم بمن ضل عن سبيله وهو أعلم بٱلمهتدين

“Invite (all) to the Way of God with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who has strayed from His Path, and who receives guidance.” (An-Nahl verse 125)

This verse does not only function for preachers, but also for Muslims who interact through the internet.

Muslims are strictly prohibited from conveying everything, both posts and comments, with no good. All input, arguments, criticisms, and suggestions must be submitted with wisdom.

3. Al-Hujurat verse 6

يأيها ٱلذين ءامنوا إن جآءكم فاسق بنبإ فتبينوا أن تصيبوا قوما بجهلة فتصبحوا على ما فعلتم ندمين

“O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, let people harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what I have done.” (Al-Hujurat verse 6)

Islam teaches all information that comes to us we must examine and check first. Whether this information is true or not.

Do not let us get caught up in incorrect information and we share. In fact, we join in emotion so that it harms others just because the news is not true.

4. Al-Hujurat verse 11

يأيها ٱلذين ءامنوا لا يسخر قوم من قوم عسى أن يكونوا خيرا منهم ولا نسآء من نسآء عسى أن يكن خيرا منهن ولا تلمزوا أنفسكم ولا تنابزوا بٱلألقب بئس ٱلٱسم ٱلفسوق بعد ٱلإيمن ومن لم يتب فأولئك هم ٱلظلمون

“O ye who believe! Let not some laugh among others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who don’t desist are (indeed) doing wrong.” (Al-Hujurat verse 11)

This verse is related to the phenomenon that is currently rife, namely cyberbullying. Islam strongly opposes this and forbids Muslims to commit such acts.

This is because Islam has never taught to make fun of each other, denounce, telling one’s disgrace, and overthrow each other. Thus, it is strictly forbidden for Muslims to use the internet as a means of cyberbullying.

5. Al-Hujurat verse 12

يأيها ٱلذين ءامنوا ٱجتنبوا كثيرا من ٱلظن إن بعض ٱلظن إثم ولا تجسسوا ولا يغتب بعضكم بعضا أيحب أحدكم أن يأكل لحم أخيه ميتا فكرهتموه وٱتقوا ٱلله إن ٱلله تواب رحيم

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it … But fear Allah: For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” (Al-Hujurat verse 12)

Muslims are strictly prohibited from prejudice to others if it has not been truly proven. Moreover, the prejudice that caused by the existence of incorrect information about the person.

Therefore, even in the case of surfing, Muslims are also prohibited from conveying and spreading information that could make people prejudice to certain people.

This is very disliked by God because it is able to divide and cause great disputes among Muslims or with other religious communities. We have to learn about the importance of positive thinking in Islam.

6. Hadith of Bukhari and Muslim History

Rasulullah SAW asserted, “Every people of my people get forgiveness except those who tell (their own disgrace). Surely among the acts of telling one’s own shame is a person who commits an act (sin) at night and has been covered by Allah, then in the morning he himself opens what is covered by Allah.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).

Based on this hadith, the Messenger of Allah actually wanted to convey that Muslims must not overdo it. If it is contextualized during this period, Muslims must not be excessive in using the internet.

Do not let Muslims use the internet as a place to expose their own disgrace, convey feelings that should not be conveyed through the public, and so forth.

This is very disliked by God because it includes opening his own disgrace while Allah SWT has covered his disgrace from other humans.

Benefits and Mudharat of Using the Internet in Islam

As stated in the previous point that the internet has two sides that can provide benefits and harm. In this section, the benefits and harms of the internet in Islam will be conveyed.

Benefits of the Internet in Islam

1. Facilitating Islamic Da’wah (preach)

The internet is able to be a tool that makes it easy to preach Muslims today. With a very broad reach, Islamic values ​​will increasingly spread and be able to be a lamp for the entire universe.

2. Make Muslims more intelligent

With a variety of information offered by the internet, Muslims will increasingly have insights. However, Muslims certainly must be able to filter information and knowledge which has the right to be used as insight that enlightens themselves.

3. Tighten the Ukhuwah Islamiyah rope

Through social media, the internet is able to tighten the ukhuwah Islamiyah rope between Muslims in one particular region and Muslims in other regions. Thus, Muslims will get to know and Islam will be stronger.

Mudharat Internet in Islam

1. Pornographic content

Needless to say, pornography is increasingly prevalent with easier access to information. It is increasingly easy for people to get pornographic content, including Muslims.

Pornography is a scourge for humans because its destructive power can also create its own destruction in Muslims, both physically and psychologically. So, with this, we have to know how to avoid watching pornography.

2. Values ​​outside of Islam

The internet presents a world without borders. This makes values ​​outside of Islam easier to enter, whether through songs, films, or writings uploaded on various platforms.

If Muslims are unable to filter and fail on how to make their faith in Islam stronger, then they might leave Islam by themselves.

3. Destroying ukhuwah Islamiyah

Hoaxes that are rife on the internet also have the potential to damage ukhuwah Islamiyah in Islam. Fighting, mutilating, and accusing each other can happen. If this cannot be addressed wisely, ukhuwah Islamiyah will also be damaged.

Conclusion

The internet is very helpful for Muslims in their lives. But like other things, the internet has two sides of a blade that can provide benefits and harm. Therefore, as intelligent Muslims it is fitting for us to be able to wisely use them to carry out their duties as khalifah fil ardh.