Quranic Answer
Maintaining faith in today's challenging world, especially in cyberspace where we are constantly bombarded with information and diverse interactions, is of paramount importance. Although the Holy Quran does not directly refer to 'cyberspace' (as this concept did not exist at the time of its revelation), it provides robust principles and foundations for preserving faith and ethics in any time and place. These principles are entirely applicable and guiding, not only in the physical world but also in the digital realm. The first and most fundamental principle is 'Taqwa,' or God-consciousness and piety. Taqwa means always being aware of God's presence and taking responsibility for one's actions, whether in solitude or in public, in the real world or in cyberspace. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Taqwa; this sense of responsibility towards the Creator compels individuals to be careful in their content selection, speech, and online interactions. When we are convinced that Allah is watching over everything, we refrain from any lies, backbiting, slander, deception, and the dissemination of false information that can be widely found in cyberspace. Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, which prohibits spying and backbiting, is a clear example of the caution needed when examining profiles and sharing others' information on social networks. Furthermore, Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, states: "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – all of them will be questioned," emphasizing the necessity of verifying the authenticity of news and content we encounter online. In a world where fake news spreads rapidly, this Quranic principle serves as our guiding light. Another principle is the 'guarding of one's gaze and modesty.' Verses 30 and 31 of Surah An-Nur emphasize the necessity of controlling one's gaze (ghadd al-basar) for both men and women. This principle is clearly applicable in cyberspace. The internet is full of inappropriate and provocative content that can weaken an individual's faith and ethics. Guarding one's gaze here means refraining from viewing unlawful images and videos, avoiding following inappropriate pages, and even refraining from curiosity about others' private lives, which can lead to spying. Moreover, modesty in speech and writing is also highly important. Our messages, comments, and posts should be free from any vulgarity, insults, provocation, and offensive words. Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 70, states: "O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate gravity." This includes all forms of communication, including online chats and comments. Proper utilization of time and avoiding idle pursuits (lahw wa la'ib) is another Quranic teaching applicable in cyberspace. The Holy Quran encourages humanity to make good use of their lifespan and avoid futile activities. Cyberspace can be highly addictive and waste our precious time. A believer must wisely manage their time spent in this space to avoid neglecting worship, family and social duties, and other beneficial endeavors. Using cyberspace for acquiring beneficial knowledge, connecting with scholars, participating in charitable activities, and promoting Islamic values is the best way to transform a potentially harmful tool into a means for growth and proximity to Allah. We can use this space to spread the call to good (da'wah) and promote righteousness, as stated in Surah Al-Imran, verse 104: "And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong." This means our mission is not limited to the physical realm. Furthermore, we must not neglect the 'remembrance of Allah' (dhikr). Cyberspace is full of noise and distractions. To preserve faith, it is essential to maintain our spiritual connection with God amidst the clamor of this space. Reciting the Quran, constant remembrance, and timely prayers are like anchors that keep the believer's heart steadfast in the turbulent sea of cyberspace. Even while using the internet, one can purify their intentions by remembering Allah and prevent themselves from being submerged in futility. Ultimately, maintaining 'moderation' and avoiding extremism in the use of cyberspace is the key to success. Strong faith is one that remains steadfast in the face of trials and challenges and uses tools optimally to achieve divine goals, rather than allowing these tools to divert it from the main path.
Related Verses
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
Al-Hujurat : 12
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
An-Nur : 30
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ أَوِ التَّابِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُولِي الْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ أَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا عَلَىٰ عَوْرَاتِ النِّسَاءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their bosoms and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah all of you, O believers, that you may succeed.
An-Nur : 31
وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا
And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – all of them will be questioned.
Al-Isra : 36
Short Story
It is narrated that in Saadi's time, a devout man sat before a wise master and asked him: "O sage, how can I keep my heart pure from the impurities of the age, when every direction holds a temptation and every gathering a distraction?" The master replied with a gentle smile: "O youth, I have heard the story of a merchant who traveled extensively and dealt with various people in every city. They asked him about the chaotic market of the world, saying: 'How is it that with all this trade and interaction, your heart remains pure and your intention clear?' The merchant replied: 'Whenever I enter a market, my eyes are on the goods and my ears attentive to the customers, but my heart thinks of my home and children, and my remembrance of God flows on my lips.' The master continued: "Cyberspace is also a vast market, full of good and bad wares, and true and false words. If you wish to preserve your faith and heart, set your eyes on what is lawful and beneficial, and lend your ear to good speech. But keep your heart engaged in the remembrance of God and firmly establish your intention on serving the truth. Know that Allah is aware of what passes in the deepest corners of your heart. So, keep your inner self more beautiful than your outer self, so that in any space, your heart may be prosperous and your faith steadfast."