Internet Cafes
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Fatwa No. ( 21205 )
Q: Regarding the current discussion about internet cafes , which have spread widely in recent times in large numbers, what is the ruling on investing and trading in these cafes? Given the presence of some harms and prohibitions illustrated in the following images: First image: The internet rents the user a computer by the hour, even though we do not know what the user will use the internet for. There are several programs and many sites the user can browse, some of which are beneficial and some harmful. Some sites can be controlled and blocked by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, but there are
some users who are able to access prohibited and closed sites. Note: We cannot control the program except by canceling the service. Second image: There is what is called the Microsoft Chat program, which is for conversation and correspondence. Through it, users talk to each other and discuss beneficial and scientific matters, as well as bad ones, using obscene and indecent expressions. It is also possible to send and receive some obscene images and films through it. It is possible to control the sending and receiving of images and films only, but there are those who can break the control through devious methods.
A : If these devices allow the user to access reprehensible and invalid matters that harm the Islamic creed, or if they are used to view seductive images, obscene films, and scandalous news, or if suspicious conversations or forbidden games take place, and the owner of the shop cannot prevent these evils or regulate those devices—then, given the situation described, trading in them is forbidden; because that is aiding in sin and prohibitions. And Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said in His Noble Book:[Al-Ma'idah 5:2] .
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Regarding the current discussion about internet cafes , which have spread widely in recent times in large numbers, what is the ruling on investing and trading in these cafes? Given the presence of some harms and prohibitions illustrated in the following images: First image: The internet rents the user a computer by the hour, even though we do not know what the user will use the internet for. There are several programs and many sites the user can browse, some of which are beneficial and some harmful. Some sites can be controlled and blocked by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, but there are
some users who are able to access prohibited and closed sites. Note: We cannot control the program except by canceling the service. Second image: There is what is called the Microsoft Chat program, which is for conversation and correspondence. Through it, users talk to each other and discuss beneficial and scientific matters, as well as bad ones, using obscene and indecent expressions. It is also possible to send and receive some obscene images and films through it. It is possible to control the sending and receiving of images and films only, but there are those who can break the control through devious methods.
A : If these devices allow the user to access reprehensible and invalid matters that harm the Islamic creed, or if they are used to view seductive images, obscene films, and scandalous news, or if suspicious conversations or forbidden games take place, and the owner of the shop cannot prevent these evils or regulate those devices—then, given the situation described, trading in them is forbidden; because that is aiding in sin and prohibitions. And Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said in His Noble Book:
And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِAnd success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.