Last year, an Islamic organization in East Java had stated that Facebook is Haram (Forbidden) for Moslems.
Although the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) has denied this, however some people are still asking whether or not it is okay to use Facebook.
Meanwhile, The Jakarta Globe has reported that some Islamic Boarding Schools in Bogor, West Java have supported the use of Facebook.
Indonesians are among some of the most avid users of online social media like Twitter and Facebook. (Photo: Yudhi Sukma Wijaya, JG)
Bogor Islamic School Leaders See Benefits in Facebook Fad
Some pesantren, or Islamic boarding school, leaders in Bogor are backing the use of social networking site Facebook to facilitate communication within their school communities, despite calls last year from some clerics to stop students from using the site.
Caretaker of the Miftahul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, KH Fithrie Fachrurrozie Fuad, said on Sunday that Facebook had become a “requirement” for communication in most social circles, “including pesantren.”
Fithrie said that using Facebook was more efficient and effective than other methods of communication.
“And Facebook can be a vehicle to stay in touch and exchange ideas and information. I think a lot of positives can be drawn from the use of Facebook,” he added.
He said that in the pesantren community, for example, Facebook could be used to discuss current issues and the Islamic world.
During May 2009, some clerics on Java and Madura islands declared Facebook as forbidden for students under the age of 17, stating that it posed a risk for flirting and “moral temptations.”
However, Fithrie said that he thought the benefits outweighed potential risks and urged for it not to be declared haram, or forbidden.
“If it is made forbidden, it may be abused by some who do not heed the norms and ethics of religion,” he said.
Abdul Halim Yahya from Daarul Rahman Islamic Boarding School in Leuwiliang, Bogor, agreed, saying that Facebook had now become a forum for friendship and a place to express opinions without censorship.
Halim said that the big benefits of Facebook meant it was natural that the pesantren community began reaching into the virtual world for the latest information.
“In fact, Facebook has now become alternative media for the interests of the people, as in the case of ‘gecko versus crocodile’ (the Corruption Eradication Commission versus the National Police) and Prita (Mulyasari) versus Omni Hospital,” he said.
Facebook is now the most popular Web site in Indonesia, according to web traffic analyst alexa.com.
Antara, JG
Caretaker of the Miftahul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, KH Fithrie Fachrurrozie Fuad, said on Sunday that Facebook had become a “requirement” for communication in most social circles, “including pesantren.”
Fithrie said that using Facebook was more efficient and effective than other methods of communication.
“And Facebook can be a vehicle to stay in touch and exchange ideas and information. I think a lot of positives can be drawn from the use of Facebook,” he added.
He said that in the pesantren community, for example, Facebook could be used to discuss current issues and the Islamic world.
During May 2009, some clerics on Java and Madura islands declared Facebook as forbidden for students under the age of 17, stating that it posed a risk for flirting and “moral temptations.”
However, Fithrie said that he thought the benefits outweighed potential risks and urged for it not to be declared haram, or forbidden.
“If it is made forbidden, it may be abused by some who do not heed the norms and ethics of religion,” he said.
Abdul Halim Yahya from Daarul Rahman Islamic Boarding School in Leuwiliang, Bogor, agreed, saying that Facebook had now become a forum for friendship and a place to express opinions without censorship.
Halim said that the big benefits of Facebook meant it was natural that the pesantren community began reaching into the virtual world for the latest information.
“In fact, Facebook has now become alternative media for the interests of the people, as in the case of ‘gecko versus crocodile’ (the Corruption Eradication Commission versus the National Police) and Prita (Mulyasari) versus Omni Hospital,” he said.
Facebook is now the most popular Web site in Indonesia, according to web traffic analyst alexa.com.
Antara, JG
17 comments:
You have straightforward facts, I like this.
Mary,
I am glad that you like it. Thanks
These kind of discussions are not typical for Islam. Whatever the religion, those few who have a rigid interpretation of their faith tend to fear, turn away from or even try to stop technological innovations.
Hardcore Christian (Protestant) believers living in a region we call our "Bible Belt", still ban television from their homes and refuse vaccination for instance.
These rearguard battles of course are in vain.
Colson,
Yes you are right, fanaticism cannot prevail over logic. Sooner or later their 'power' will fade away.
I think depending on his intentions ... , If used for the good and benefit of the people .. it's ok .. hehe..
now I've rarely played in the FB .. because rather forget the time ..
Btw.. tampilan blognya sederhana tak banyak pernak-pernik hingga loadnya cepet.. cuman.. sayang.. gak ada tranlaternya... haha.. makluuum
though my english is not good, but i know what u say brur.. :D
Link Tea,
Yes it's about time stop generalizing FB. Just because few people use it wrongly doesn't mean that everyone & FB is wrong.
Terima kasih atas pujiannya.
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Aminamsyah,
Thank you for your kind comment.
I really appreciate it.
PS: Don't worry, English is not our language.
kereeeennnnnn . . .
Wawan,
Terima kasih, saya senang anda menyukai blog saya.
They meant well but perhaps too paranoid. Flirting can happen anywhere online or offline regardless. Its about time for Muslims to be in the forefront, able to interact and discuss intelligently on any issues and stop being defensive and apologetic. Proud to be a Muslim.Peace for all, take care.
Umihoney,
Thank you very much for always reminding that as Muslims we should always be able to interact and discuss intelligently on any issues and stop being defensive and apologetic.
I really appreciate it.
No need to ban Facebook. Let people learn and get literate of the good and bad of Facebook. The more we forbid the more anxious people are...
Edwin,
Yes, experiences show that ban on movies, books etc has boost people interests on such works of art.
I believe that one of the factor for FB's increasing popularity is because of the many protests against it.
well, the more you forbid people from facebook or from watching those movies the more they will do it. I guess it's in people to be curious on things :D
DBuzzToday,
You are right my friend.
well, the more you forbid people from facebook or from watching those movies the more they will do it. I guess it's in people to be curious on things :D
Dear friends..
Im one of those being annoyed by the presence of FB, Im also annoyed by those who ban FB without empirical research, however. We should believe all things happen unavoidably leading to + or - effects, raising public awareness through public education seems effective to deal with this. Im proud of those supporting FB, you should be able to prove and ensure that it goes to the right direction, however. If not, we should think over and over.
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