In today's modern world, social media is very powerful and has an inspiring influence in the way we communicate and connect, and because it has impacted our society deeply, Muslims began to wonder about whether using some of its application like Facebook is haram (forbidden), mostly because the way our brothers and sisters commonly use it today. So, is Facebook haram?
Well, the counter question to ask is how do you use Facebook? In Islam, both the concepts of halal (lawful deeds) and haram (unlawful deeds) are crystal clear. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah be Upon Him) said: "That which is Halal is clear and that which is Haram is clear, and between the two of them are ambiguous (mutashabihat) matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids ambiguous matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, but he who falls into ambiguous matters (eventually) falls into that which is Haram... Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah's sanctuary is His prohibitions..."
So, haram is clear, and Muslims "Facebookers" need to think deeply and ask themselves: What kinds of activities do they engage in on Facebook? Do they spend most of their time on Facebook watching "hot" pictures of their friends or they just simply read news and current events as they pop in on their newsfeed? What is their heart telling them about their deeds? Do they feel that their deeds from the later are pure and halal or do they have some doubt from the other part of their mind telling them that their deeds from the former is a little bit stain with some dirt of haram? It's very simple for Muslims to take note, logically, on whether they are on a good or bad track.
Again, Muslims need to ask themselves-why they are using Facebook. Does it derives any importance to their lives here in Dunya (the present world) or will it derives any reward for them later on Al-Aakhira (the hereafter)? Part of what makes a good Muslim is rationality-doing everything for the benefit of himself and his society.
Facebook has some benefits. Ayahs, hadiths, and Islamic resources can be easily updated on a Muslim's page and lo and behold, millions of people can view it and, hey, who knows, a Christian or an unbeliever may learn some teachings from the religion. Islamic pages such as Ayah of the Day, Hadith of the Day, and Jannah are some of the few pages that update Islamic resources on Facebook. In essence, please your heart with pure (halal) actions whether it's on Facebook or on twitter, and avoid doing any haram. Part of these harams include: uploading your "hot" pictures and flirting with random friends. So, as a Muslim, do you ponder over using Facebook? If yes, then go with your conscious and quit: it is haram.
Suhaib Mohammed is a freelance writer who writes on different niche. You can browse through his blog: http://www.suhaib7.wordpress.com to read on similar topic or a totally different one.