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BEWARE OF SOCIAL MEDIA THREATS

Social media is defined as various communication mediums or channels that can deliver information to the public quickly.

This is a blessing and an opportunity that is provided for Muslims to make the best use of. In fact, Islamic teachings urge that its followers seek any means that can help spread and develop the Islamic message more widely. In the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW narrated by At-Tirmizi from Abu Hurairah RA, the Messenger of Allah SAW said:

The word of wisdom is the lost property of the believer, so wherever he finds it, he has the most right to it.

Meaning:
“Wisdom is the lost treasure of the believer;
wherever he finds it, he is the one most entitled to it.”

Muslims need to seize all the opportunities for knowledge and information that are offered so that they can be utilized and efforts to develop Islamic da'wah will remain fresh and able to compete with the times.

Nowadays, social media has become an important part of daily life. The reality that we see today, social media applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter (Application X), Telegram, Instagram and so on seem to be a current necessity. In fact, it also affects the way society connects, interacts, and receives information. Overall, social media has been widely used in every job regardless of age. In fact, children as young as 7 years old are already good at using it as the main method of communication with each other. Social media can shorten the time interval for planned activities and programs.

A quote from the hadith narrated by At-Tirmidhi from Anas bin Malik RA that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

Meaning:

“The Hour will not come until time feels so appropriate, then a year
feels like a month, a month feels like a week, a week feels
like a day, a day feels like an hour and an hour feels like a
flash of fire.” [HR: TIRMIZI]

[This hadith was judged authentic by Imam Ibn Hibban in his sahih]

This hadith gives a signal to Muslims to realize the reality they are going through. The evidence mentioned in the hadith has been witnessed and confirmed through the five senses. The time to complete an activity is getting faster. That is the function of the mass media.

The development of information technology brings a change in society. The birth of social media makes the pattern of behavior and thinking of society experience a process of changing culture, ethics and existing norms.

In Harakah Daily dated May 12, 2024, statistics show that as of October 2023, 4.95 billion people use social media in their daily lives, with an average of each person using 6.7 social media platforms each month.

There is no doubt that the widespread use of social media brings various benefits, but the negative impact it leaves behind is also of great concern to the Muslim community in this country in particular and the Islamic world in general.

The emergence of modernizing, progressive or liberal schools of thought originating from the western world has resulted in opposition to religion and culture through mass media, posing a threat to Muslims. The unfiltered sources of knowledge information in determining its validity have caused various confusions in religious knowledge, especially in matters involving Islamic faith.

As a result, various ideologies, beliefs, teachings and practices that are misleading were born. The beliefs of Ibu Yati, Perjalanan Mimpi Terakhir, SiHulk, Claim of Imam Mahdi and many more were born. Young people who have no religious upbringing will easily be trapped into becoming loyal followers.

In the MyMetro news link dated July 17, 2024, citing a statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Yang Berhormat Senator Dato' Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na'im bin Haji Mokhtar, he said that they have now begun to spread these deviant teachings openly through various social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Facebook as opposed to moving secretly in remote or closed areas.

Efforts to convert Muslims in Malaysia from other religious preachers have also become a common practice. The use of mass media platforms is the main channel to facilitate access to information that is conveyed very easily.

This warning has been recorded in the Quran as Allah SWT says:

And never will the Jews or the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah - that is the [only] guidance." And if you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would not have against Allah any protector or helper.

Meaning:

"The Jews and the Christians will never agree with you (O Muhammad) until you follow their religion (which has been distorted). Say (to them): "Indeed, the guidance of Allah (Islam is the true guidance). And if you follow their desires after the knowledge has come to you, then you will not find from Allah any protector or helper."

(Al Baqarah: 120)

[This hadith was judged authentic by Imam Ibn Hibban in his sahih]

It is clear from this verse that efforts to apostatize Muslims will
continue until the Day of Judgment.

Steps and actions must be taken by Muslims in an effort to restore the identity of the ummah. The work of inviting people towards goodness and preventing evil is an obligation that must be carried out. In fact, this responsibility must be shouldered together. The word of Allah SWT:

Meaning:

"You (O Muhammad's Ummah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, (because) you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong (bad and shameful), and you believe in Allah (with true faith). And if the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) had believed (as they should), it would have been better for them. (But) among them are some who believe, and most of them are transgressors." (Al-Imran: 110)

From Abu Said Al Khudri RA, His Majesty SAW said:

Meaning:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. And if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then with his heart. Indeed, that is the weakest of faith.” [HR: Muslim]

Among the steps that need to be emphasized and paid attention to is the dissemination of information related to Islamic teachings in an authentic manner. Knowledge related to faith needs to be implemented more effectively. Faith studies need to be disseminated to all age groups. Starting with faith education in schools, colleges, universities to all religious course programs that are held, faith studies must be used as the basis.

Religious content, especially aqidah, should be taken as the core content in the program. Heads of departments in various agencies are expected to cooperate in providing a platform for Talking about Aqidah to all employees.

Services from members of the Muslim community are also sought by channeling information regarding teachings or practices that are questionable and conflict with the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah movement to religious authorities. The role of religious authorities in establishing religious teaching credentials at all study locations is very much needed. This is to ensure that Islamic teachings continue to be preserved in their authenticity.

The mufti's office also helps prepare fatwas related to heretical teachings so that they can be easily enforced through the State Islamic Law Administration Enactment. Those involved in this heretical teachings need to be supported and not marginalized.

In conclusion, dear readers, the issue of faith is not a small matter that can be dismissed lightly. It has a fairly large and heavy impact in the eyes of Allah SWT. There is no point in doing good in this world if faith is problematic. All good deeds will be in vain and will not bring reward when all humans are gathered in the Field of Judgment.

In the Quran, Allah SWT says:

Meaning:

“Say (O Muhammad): Shall We inform you of those who are the greatest losers in their deeds? Say (O Muhammad): Shall We inform you of those who are the greatest losers in their deeds? They are those who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and in the meeting with Him; therefore their deeds are nullified; so We will not give them any balance on the Day of Resurrection.”

(Al-Kahfi:103-105)

May Allah SWT save us from all the threats to our faith. Therefore, cooperation and strong support from Muslims is needed in the effort to eradicate this evil.

Date of Input: 05/05/2025 | Updated: 05/05/2025 | asmunir

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