Prayer TimesAlthough TikTok is a relatively new platform, it has quickly become popular worldwide, even surpassing YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook in user numbers. In short, it is the current trend.
The number of TikTok users is also growing daily in our country. On TikTok, users create short videos, often using pre-recorded audio, mainly for entertainment, and it is especially popular among young people.
It is a fact that many TikTok videos feature women dressed immodestly dancing in front of the camera, or men behaving inappropriately. Mockery and humiliation are common. Young people often see this as just a joke. There have even been cases where the Qur’an or famous people were ridiculed. Some young viewers, not knowing right from wrong, may imitate such behavior and pick up bad habits. However, there are also users who create videos on important topics.
Islam permits the use of modern technology and innovations, including the internet. However, it requires that their use remains within the boundaries of Sharia. Therefore, when interacting online, a Muslim must ensure that their actions are permitted by Sharia and avoid what is forbidden.
Allah the Almighty says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims. And be with those who are truthful.” (Surah at-Tawbah, 9:119).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Fear Allah wherever you are. Follow a bad deed with a good one to erase it, and treat people with good character.” (Tirmidhi).
First and foremost, a person using the internet should have a sincere intention, be God-conscious, do good, and have good character. One should avoid useless and meaningless activities. Time should not be wasted; a person should value the life Allah has given and use it properly, remembering that they will be accountable for every moment in the Hereafter. A Muslim’s time, energy, intellect, and attention should be devoted only to beneficial things.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Be eager for what benefits you and seek help from Allah.” (Muslim).
It is also required not to spread false information, images, or videos online, and not to deceive others. Insulting or mocking others is forbidden. Trying to make people laugh by such means is not encouraged in our religion.
The Prophet (ﷺ) warned: “Woe to those who invent stories to make people laugh. Woe to them, woe to them!” (Abu Dawood).
Matters of modesty and honor must be taken very seriously. Neglecting these can lead to many social problems, such as marital disputes, divorces, shamelessness, and provocations.
The Qur’an says: “Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter.” (Surah an-Nur, 24:19).
Therefore, posting or watching meaningless, indecent, or shameless videos on TikTok, as well as wasting time on the platform, is haram. A Muslim should avoid such actions as much as possible.
Hasan AMANKUL,
“Munara” newspaper, No.23, 2020
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.