Citation: Maisuna, M.Y. & Mohammed, Y.Z. (2025). Effects of Social Media (TikTok) on Muslims: Perspective of Islam. Tasambo Journal of Language, Literature, and Culture, 4(2), 202-212. www.doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2025.v04i02.022.
EFFECTS OF
SOCIAL MEDIA (TIKTOK) ON MUSLIMS: PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAM
BY
Maisuna, Mustapha Yahya PhD
Department of Islamic Studies, University of Abuja-Nigeria
Email- yasminmaisuna06@gmail.com
Tel: 08037871554/08186312421
AND
Yakubu, Zulaihat Mohammed
Post Graduate Student
Department of Islamic Studies,
University of Abuja-Nigeria
Tel: 08060649314 // zeeyaqub2019@gmail.com
Abstract
Modern technology has brought fundamental socio-structural
changes and has drawn the world closer, especially with the new social media platforms,
which are of different kinds and types. Examples include Facebook, WhatsApp,
Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Telegram, and so on. This paper uses
primary and secondary data to examine the Islamic perspective on social media.
While concentrating on TikTok, the paper highlights the advantages and
disadvantages of TikTok among the Muslim Ummah and in society in general. It
found that the prospects offered by social media are tremendously positive but
may, or are, leading to disastrous consequences. Unless it is properly checked
and regulated, it has become the easiest way by which evil talk and practices
are spread, thereby posing a great threat to Islam and Muslims. The proper
utilization of TikTok will help in spreading the words of Allah (SWT),
improving the lives of people, reducing vices in society, and promoting Islamic
values. The paper recommends extensive teachings and the inculcation of Islamic
values in the family and educational system, along with close and proper
monitoring of youth and children, both in schools and at home. Parents should
reduce the extent to which children are exposed to entertainment on TikTok and
other social media platforms.
Keywords: Internet,
Social Media, Islam, TikTok
Introduction
﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا
وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ١٠٢
O you who
believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from
all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to
Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm [as
Muslims (with complete submission to Allâh (Q: 3: 102)
Many Muslims find
themselves in a place where they think that they are among the minority,
feeling strange to practice their religion; however, the Prophet (SAW) says,
there will come a time when a Muslim will be among the minority. The hadith
reads:
بداء الاسلام
غريبا وسيعود غريبا فطوبى للغرباء
Islam
began as something strange and it will return to being strange, so blessed are
the strangers (Sunan Ibn Majah 3986)
Indeed,
this religion started as something very strange when the Prophet (SAW) and his
Sahaba were the minority in comparison to the idol worshipers of that time, but
they never stopped commanding acts of goodness, and they, as well, forbid
wrongness. Allah states in the Glorious Qur’an:
﴿كُنتُمۡ
خَيۡرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخۡرِجَتۡ لِلنَّاسِ تَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَتَنۡهَوۡنَ
عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَتُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِۗ ١٠﴾
You [true
believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever
raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all
that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all
that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh (Q: 3: 110)
Social media
platforms have significantly reshaped communication, culture, and identity in
the digital age. Among these platforms, TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool
for self-expression, entertainment, and social interaction, particularly among
young people. It has influenced various aspects of life, including religious
practices and community dynamics (Ahmad 2022). The teenagers are the dominant
social media users; they often use other social media, but the most popular one
is TikTok. It is pertinent to know that the majority of TikTok funds the
creators based on their number of views and followers their videos receive. The
criteria include having a minimum of 10,000 followers and 100,000 video viewers
in the last thirty days. TikTok pays between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views
(Kajabi 2024).
In other countries,
like China, TikTok is used to invent and manufacture all kinds of products. They
use it wisely and at the same time prepare the youth to take over the future. The
findings therefore, revealed that most Nigerian TikTok users up load nudity,
porn, pornographic talks and insulting contents on TikTok, girls showing their
butt everywhere, a young girl of a 16-17 years can be having more than 10
million followers for showcasing their nefarious sexually informing contents,
dancing and doing all sort of things! Surprisingly, mass supporting followers
of such content creators include a large number of Muslims, who are wow. One
may be forced to ask: Of what essence are the prayers of such content creators
and their viewers, if they actually pray at all? The Glorious Qur’an states:
﴿ٱتۡلُ مَآ أُوحِيَ إِلَيۡكَ
مِنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَۖ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ
وَٱلۡمُنكَرِۗ وَلَذِكۡرُ ٱللَّهِ أَكۡبَرُۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تَصۡنَعُونَ
٤٥﴾
Recite,
[O Muhammad] What has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer.
Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrong, and the remembrance of Allah is
greater and Allah Knows that which you do (Q29:45).
An ethic of
lowering one’s gaze is highly encouraged in Islam. Watching illicit contents is
haram, likewise, vows of chastity till marriage is highly recommended as well.
Allah addresses men first on this issue, He says:
﴿قُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ
يَغُضُّواْ مِنۡ أَبۡصَٰرِهِمۡ وَيَحۡفَظُواْ فُرُوجَهُمۡۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزۡكَىٰ
لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا يَصۡنَعُونَ ٣٠﴾
Tell the
believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and
protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them.
Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do (Q: 24: 30)
And
the second verse is directed to the women. The Qur’an says:
﴿وَقُل
لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا
يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَاۖ وَلۡيَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ
عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّۖ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ ....
وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّۚ
وَتُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ
تُفۡلِحُونَ ٣١﴾
And tell the
believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and
protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off
their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for
necessity to see
the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves,
head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e.
their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except
to their husbands, …. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what
they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O
believers, that you may be successful (Q: 24: 31).
Concept of Social Media
Social media is
one of the most widely used mediums of communication among people from both
near and far distances. To comprehensively provide a fitting concept of the
term 'social' and then 'media', "social" refers to interaction with
other people; as an adjective, it describes the noun ‘media’ by sharing
information and receiving information from others. "Media," on the
other hand, refers to instruments of communication, such as the internet, TV,
radio, and newspapers. For media to be interactive, it must coexist with
certain communication techniques, and social media is no exception (Kasturi
& Vardhan, 2014, p.1).
Considering the
above, social media can be defined as a web-based communication tool that
enables people to interact with each other by sharing and receiving information
(Onwuliri, 2019, p.80). According to Wolf et al. (2018), social media refers to
websites that allow users to create profiles and make visible the relationships
between them.
Islam, as a global
religion, also serves as a means of communication to the global world. The
communication in Islam involves interactions among humans, animals, and spirits
(Jinn). Islamic communication surpasses social media communication, as depicted
in the Glorious Qur'an, between Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), the Jinn, the
birds, and the ants. The Glorious Qur'an states:
﴿وَوَرِثَ سُلَيۡمَٰنُ
دَاوُۥدَۖ وَقَالَ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ عُلِّمۡنَا مَنطِقَ ٱلطَّيۡرِ
وَأُوتِينَا مِن كُلِّ شَيۡءٍۖ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلۡفَضۡلُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ ١٦
وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيۡمَٰنَ جُنُودُهُۥ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ وَٱلطَّيۡرِ فَهُمۡ
يُوزَعُونَ١ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوۡاْ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمۡلِ قَالَتۡ نَمۡلَةٞ
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمۡلُ ٱدۡخُلُواْ مَسَٰكِنَكُمۡ لَا يَحۡطِمَنَّكُمۡ سُلَيۡمَٰنُ
وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ١٨﴾
And
Slomon inherited David. He said, O people, we have taught the language of
birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty.
And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the Jinn and men and birds, and
they were [marching] in rows. Until, when they came upon the valley of the
ants, an ant said’ Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not (Q27:
16-18).
Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W)'s communication through his instructions to his companions, both near
and far, was a form of media communication (Muhammad et al., 2022). The
Prophetic instructions regarding communication and the communication practices
that were prohibited by the Prophet and his companions in everyday life serve
as examples. Huang and Benyoucef refer to social media as internet-based
applications built on Web 2.0, while Web 2.0 refers to both a concept and a
platform for harnessing collective intelligence.
Social media,
being a very broad concept, has many features or characteristics such as user
accounts, profile pages, friends, followers and groups, news feeds,
notification updates, the ability to save or post information, likes, and
comment sections, etc.
According to Davis
(n.d., p.1), social media can broadly be defined as a set of interactive
Internet applications that facilitate (collaborative or individual) creation,
curation, and sharing of user-generated content. Kasturi and Vardhan (2014,
p.2) see social media as a set of web-based broadcast technologies that enable
the democratization of content, giving people the ability to move from being
consumers of content to becoming publishers.
According to Aeni,
TikTok is an application that provides stimulating effects. Users of the TikTok
application can easily make short videos that capture the hearts of many
viewers. TikTok offers a variety of support in the form of music, and users can
create unique videos such as dance, freestyle, and so on, encouraging users'
creativity to become content creators, commonly known as TikTokers (Aeni, n.d.,
n.p.).
From the foregoing
definitions, social media can be defined as a set of software and web tools
that assist users in online interaction, content sharing, and the development
of personalized networks of friends, organizations, colleagues, and even
strangers, with the usage of the network varying from one individual to
another..
Brief History of
TikTok
TikTok was founded
by a Chinese company named ByteDance in 2016, with a target market reach of up
to 2020 spanning 155 countries around the world (Maghfirah et al., n.d., p.
82). It is a short video application featuring video content ranging from 15 to
60 seconds in length, which, over the past few years, has become very popular
worldwide. According to its website, TikTok seeks to "inspire
creativity" and bring joy to users (Yank, 2020, p. 1). Beyond video
production, TikTok users engage in viewing, sharing, and commenting on videos
created by other users (Wolf et al., 2018, p. 6).
TikTok is a
typical user-generated content platform, where content is produced by users
rather than the company. Accessible via mobile phones, the application allows
users to create short lip-sync, dancing, gaming, DIY, and food videos ranging
from 15 seconds to 60 seconds. As a result of users' creativity, many become
content creators known as TikTokers. TikTokers are those who engage in the
creation of unique and engaging videos on the TikTok app, which leads to their
recognition and growing number of followers, due to the entertaining nature of
their content.
This trend has led
adolescents to develop a specific interest in self-appearance, trying to look
attractive in order to gain recognition. TikTok also allows users to create
short music videos and serves as a platform for information-sharing, where
knowledge can be gained through video tutorials—such as cooking, baking,
sewing, beat-making, and more.
FYP is a term used
by TikTok celebrities. Aeni explains in his work that FYP means "For You
Page." He further states that it is the homepage on TikTok that displays
content when the application is first opened. Videos on this page are tagged with
the phrase "FYP." Maghfirah et al. quote Ikhsan, who observes that
TikTok enthusiasts can be identified through the number of downloads on Google
Play Store and the App Store. These downloads have increased sharply since the
second quarter of 2020. According to Sensor Research, TikTok has been
downloaded by more than 300 million users (Maghfirah et al., p. 82).
Advantages of
TikTok Use by Muslims
Digital
applications cannot be separated from people’s lives, including children who
are still in school, especially at the elementary level. Modern technology has
had a very positive impact on life and has contributed to global development.
TikTok in particular can serve educational, social, and economic purposes,
especially for those who create content for income generation.
1. Educational Advantages:
From an
educational standpoint, many TikTok contents present positive messages, such as
brief lectures from religious leaders and experts conveying religious ethics,
morals, and values, supported by references to the Qur’an and Hadith of the
Prophet (S.A.W.). The platform also provides advice and guidance, as well as
practical demonstrations on how to perform ablution, Salah (prayer), ritual
baths, etc., making it easier for children and other Muslims to learn these
practices at their convenience. It helps to build worship behavior in people
when they follow moral content on TikTok presented in the form of simple
instructional and religious activities.The Qur’an states:
﴿ٱدۡعُ
إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِۖ وَجَٰدِلۡهُم
بِٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ
وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ ١٢٥﴾
Invite (mankind, O Muhammad (SAW) to the Way of your Lord
(i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and
fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord
knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those
who are guided. (Q: 16: 125)
The more people
see and follow messages that contain moral values, the more likely they are to
adopt them. Through TikTok, information can easily be conveyed and can provide
a stimulus for those who view it and imitate the content. Another educational
value is that the TikTok app is useful to students because they can learn both
technological and non-technological literacy directly. The Prophet (S.A.W.)
said: “Convey from me even if it is one verse” (Bukhari 3461).
TikTok is a
non-boring learning medium; the inclusion of visuals, audio, and colours allows
users to immediately see and hear the content. This makes it an effective
educational tool.
2. Social Advantages of TikTok to Muslims
TikTok also
provides social value. For instance, when a community is hit by a disaster,
information can be passed through TikTok accounts to raise awareness and
mobilize support for the affected community.
One of its social
advantages is the creation of positive impacts, including effective
communication through making friends, using it as a promotional medium, and
seeking information such as news (Aeni, n.d., n.p.). Other benefits include entertainment,
interactive engagement, promotion, information sharing, and even contributing
to psychological resilience.
Additionally,
TikTok can be used to share information on funeral arrangements, naming
ceremonies, community outings, seminar meetings, Hajj operational updates, and
the beginning and end dates of Ramadan, among others.
It allows Muslims
to connect globally, promote good causes, and raise awareness about Islam,
charity, and social issues. A Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.) reads: “The best
among you are those who bring the most benefit to others” (Al-Awsat 6026).
3. Economic Advantage of TikTok to Muslims
TikTok app. Can be
used in halal marketing business promotion, by creating unique content in order
to attract customers attention. Islam encourages earning through lawful (halal)
means. In Suratul Kasas Allah (SWT) says:
﴿وَٱبۡتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَىٰكَ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةَۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنۡيَاۖ وَأَحۡسِن
كَمَآ أَحۡسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡكَۖ وَلَا تَبۡغِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ إِنَّ
ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ ٧٧﴾
But seek, with that (wealth) which Allâh has bestowed on you, the home
of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this
world; and do good as Allâh has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the
land. Verily, Allâh likes
not the Mufsidûn (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors,
tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters) (Q: 28:77).
There
is economic value and empowerment in TikTok because it can raise the level of
people’s lives when its content includes product promotion of either food,
beverages, wears, and furniture. The public who sees it will be interested in
the promotions carried out on TikTok, so that it can help the merchant
community, starting from meatball, porridge, etc. It can also help the market
people if they participate in advertising themselves on TikTok. It provides
direct communication between community members and within time and space
limits. Customers can view or see names, locations, and kinds of promoted goods
via TikTok. It also helps the trader to have the potential to be visited by
customers in the future.
Disadvantages
of TikTok to the Muslim
Though
there are benefits in the use of TikTok, there are also some disadvantages. The
following are some of the disadvantages:
1. Narcissist Creation: TikTok is the
most prominent trending application among college students. It is now used to
foster self-confidence and has become a place of popularity and self-presence
that causes other people’s interest to create narcissism. People with
narcissistic disorder are willing to show that they are superior by feeling
that they have the potentials that exceed others in order to get more attention
and praise. The existence of TikTok makes it impossible for someone to be
separated from self-behavior, which can ultimately become arrogant
self-perception.
2. Temptation (fitnah) and Sins: The excessive use
of TikTok gives room for everyone to express themselves, even exploiting their
bodies for pleasure or just for existence. Ironically, female students and even
parents appear showing themselves, revealing their genitals when swaying by wearing
sexy clothes in order for such behavior to attract the attention of others who
are viewing. Therefore, TikTok can expose others to inappropriate interactions,
desires, and temptations leading to unacceptable religious decorum. The Prophet
(SAW) said: “The eyes commit Zina and their Zina is looking” (Muslim 2657).
Lustful looks lead to sexual urges; a person who makes gestures and wears
nudity-revealing clothes may be tempted to go wayward.
3. Promotion of haram content: Many TikTok
videos involve music, dancing, immodesty, and inappropriate content which lead
to sins. Also, some people use the TikTok application to vilify people,
religions, communities, promote racism, and even body shame for entertainment.
Allah says:
...وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمۡ عَدُوّٞ
مُّبِينٌ١٦٨﴾
O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not
the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy (Q: 2:
168).
The Prophet (SAW) said:
Among
my followers, there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual
intercourse, the wearing of silk, drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of
musical instruments as lawful (Bukhari 5590).
4. Time Consumption: excessive use of
TikTok content creators and addicted follower application can lead the user to
forget their other important and compulsory religious activities, such as
performing Salah at their stipulated times. Instead, the TikTok content
creators and their addicted followers are engrossed in content creation and
watching of the content created, respectively. Allah says:
﴿وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ١
By Al-‘Asr (the time)
إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ لَفِي خُسۡرٍ٢
Verily, man is in loss
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ
ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ٣﴾
Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good
deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to
perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and
abstain from all kinds of sins and
evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one
another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may
encounter in Allâh’s C; ause during preaching His religion of Islâmic
Monotheism or Jihâd(Q: 103: 1-3)
Islamic
Perspective on TikTok
The
very essence of Islam is the essence of humanity. Human behaviour in Islamic
Shari’ah falls into two categories: Taklifiyyah and Wada’iyyah. Taklifiyyah
also is categorized into five classes, which will determine the perspective of
Islam on TikTok. They are:
1.
Obligatory (Wajib), means what is compulsory; when
carried out, it attracts reward and failure to do it attracts punishment e.g.,
Five daily prayers.
2.
Recommended act (Sunnah), these are
actions that were performed by the Prophet (SAW) and are strongly recommended
for Muslims to follow. While not obligatory, practicing Sunnah acts is highly
virtuous and earns reward. Sunnah acts are further divided into two categories;
Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized sunnah): they are highly recommended and
consistently practiced by the Prophet (SAW), neglecting them without a valid
reason is considered blameworthy. Sunnan Ghair Mu’akkadah (non-emphasized
sunnah): these are recommended but were not as consistently practiced by the
Prophet (SAW). Neglecting them does not carry the same level of blame as
neglecting the emphasized sunnah.
3.
Mandoob; these are actions that are considered virtuous and
recommended but are not at the same level as sunnah. There is no sin or
punishment for neglecting it, but there is reward for performing it. e.g.,
extra prayers, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, charitable acts and pious
deeds of any kind.
4.
Forbidden (Muharram); these are actions
or deeds that are strictly prohibited in Islam. Engaging in haram acts is
sinful and carries consequences. e.g., disobedience to parents, consuming
alcohol, eating pork and engaging in usury. When something is forbidden
(Muharram) one who leaves it is rewarded and the one who commits it is to be
punished.
5.
Makruh; means something hated. Technically, it means what was
forbidden not by way of it being obliged to abandon. Such as taking and giving
with the left hand. When something is Makruh, then the one who leaves it out of
compliance (with legislation) is rewarded but the one who does the action is
not punished.
6.
Neutral (Mubah); means something declared or permitted
to do and technically it means what is not connected to command or not
something prohibited in itself, such as eating during the night of Ramadan.
Mubah is any act that is left to the personal decision and to individual
liberty (halal or lawful) unless there is a regulation of its prohibition.
Understanding
these categories helps Muslims navigate their daily lives and make informed
decisions in accordance with Islamic teachings. The Islamic perspective on
TikTok depends on how it is used. Let us look at it in the following three
points of view:
Permissible
(Halal) Use
1. If it is used for educational,
motivational and Islamic contents, such as Qur’an recitations or its tafsir,
hadith explanations, or any beneficial knowledge, it is considered permissible.
2. Using it for business, halal
entertainment or spreading Islam (Da’awah), is acceptable as long as it aligns
with Islamic values.
Discouraged
or Problematic Use
1. If it leads to wasting time,
distractions from religious obligations, or consuming excessive entertainment,
it is discouraged.
2. Addiction and excessive scrolling
without purpose can make it harmful.
Forbidden
(Haram) Use
1. If it involves nudity, inappropriate
music, immodest dancing, or haram relationships, it is considered sinful.
2. Spreading false information, gossip, or
backbiting through TikTok is also not allowed in Islam.
3. If it leads to temptation (fitnah),
influences bad behaviour, or promotes un-Islamic values, then it is best to be
avoided.
In
Islam, modernity is a welcome development in as much as it does not contradict
the Islamic Shari’ah rules and principles. The social media TikTok, if used as
a means of conveying the teaching of good morals, a medium where things can be
advertised and sold, a means of passing useful, meaningful and beneficial
information to the community and so on, then it has fallen in the category of
Halal, therefore, is acceptable. On the other hand, if it is being used to
spread immorality, then it has fallen into the category of forbidden actions
(Haram), therefore, is prohibited and rejected.
Muslims
need to wake up, and support righteousness, guide the children and the youth,
to be good leaders of tomorrow. Monitor what they view, post and share on
TikTok and other social media apps. Lead them on how they can achieve success
in this life and in the life hereafter, for no one can reap what he did not
sow, but reap only that which he sowed.
Proper
Way of Using TikTok in Islam
1. Intention (Niyyah): Muslims should ask
themselves if their usage of TikTok is pleasing to Allah, what intention do you
have before downloading TikTok App? The Prophet (SAW) said: “Actions are judged
by intentions” (Muslim 1907). The intents for the use of TikTok and all other
social media handles should be made purposefully clean, such as to spread
goodness, learn beneficial knowledge, or earn halal income.
2. Avoid Unlawful (Haram) Content: When
using TikTok avoid watching or engaging in unlawful things such as music and
dancing, immodesty (inappropriate dressing or behaviour), gossip, backbiting,
and harmful trends. It is stated in the Qur’an:
....وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلۡفَوَٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا وَمَا
بَطَنَۖ
…. come not near to Al-Fawâhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual
intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly;(Q: 6: 151).
On the Authority of Abu Hurayrah (ra):
The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: Allah the Almighty is Good. And
verily, He has commanded the believers to do that which He has commanded the
Messenger. So, the Almighty has said: O you Messenger! Eat of the ‘tayyibaat’ [all
kinds of halal (legal) foods and perform righteous deeds…Then he mentioned the
case of a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty, and who
spreads out his hands to the sky saying ‘Lord! While his food is
haram(unlawful), his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been
nourished with haram, so how can his supplication be answered? (Muslim, Hadith
10,40 Hadith an-Nawawi).
The above Hadith emphatically discourages Muslims from having any link
with illegal things no matter how minute they are; be they informed of: speech,
food, drinks, action, watchful moment,
3.
Follow only Halal
Content: Muslims who are
followers of TikTkers, need to be conscious of the contents they watch. It is
pertinent to mention here that there are some Islamic scholars who insult,
derogate, condemn and make mockery of one another and twist the verses of the
Glorious Qur’an and a hadith of the Prophet (SAW) to follow Islamic scholars,
Qur’an reciters, motivational speakers, and educational content creators. Allah
(SWA) says:
﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ
ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ١١٩﴾
O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh, and be with those who are true (in
words and deeds) (Q: 9: 119).
4.
Lower
Your Gaze and Guard Modesty: If you
came across inappropriate videos, scroll away immediately. Muslims should not
engage in flirtatious or unlawful interactions. Muslims must stick to the
Islamic morals as stated in the Qur’an that, men and women should lower their
gaze and guard their chastity (Q: 24: 30-31).
5.
Be
Mindful of the Content your Content: ensure that the content you created is halal and
beneficial, stay away from showing off, seeking fame, and sharing anything that
may lead others to be derailed from the righteously guided path. The Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) says: “whoever guide to something good will have a reward
similar to the one who does it” (Muslim 1893). Hence, if you mislead others,
you will equally have a share in them, a negative reward.
6.
Set Time
Limits to Avoid Wasting Time: The
hadith of the Prophet (SAW), states: “a person will not move on the Day of
judgement until he is asked about his life and how he spent it” (Timidhi 2416).
TikTok should be used with moderation and not at the expense of the time for
salah, Qur’an recitation or Productivity, but should be limited for a specific
beneficial purpose.
Mufti Menk in one
of his sermons on TikTok has mentioned what the name of TikTok actually stands
for; Tik means the movement of your minute hand of a clock, while Tok stands
for talking. Looking critically at the above meaning of TikTok, you will
understand the ‘time gone while we are talking’ is simply the meaning of
TikTok. Understanding that, we need to engage on a meaningful talk. Take
advantage of the seasons of your life and do not waste time! Race the time by
taking advantage of it; and hold yourselves accountable and take a lot of good
deeds to survive your journey for, indeed, death is about to knock on your
doors9ibn al-Jawzi Sayd (358-359).
Conclusion
It is obvious that
everything that has advantages certainly has its disadvantages as well. Social
media, particularly TikTok, has both. However, as Muslims, its disadvantages
actually outweigh its advantages. For that singular reason, all the atrocious
aspects of TikTok must be distanced: nudity shows, rigorous dancing, and mixed
dances while backsides are shakily shown, derogatory content, promotion of
non-Islamic content, items, and posts on pornographic droppings such as Adeyemi
Suliat, Saronia Umm, Nafeesah’s style, Bella and a host of others do not depict
the teachings of Islam in totality. Others who use TikTok in positive ways
include Fatima Tamba, Huda Yemen, and Maryam Am - two eloquent reciters of the
Glorious Qur’an - and a host of others. Parents, at this point, should guide,
monitor, and advise their children and wards on what to listen to, watch,
and/or follow on TikTok and mass media in general.
Recommendations
The paper
recommends the following:
1. Individuals should try to have,
maintain, and control their behaviours, decisions, and emotions to avoid
negative consequences such as becoming a narcissist.
2. Muslims should use their Islamic moral
values when dealing with all kinds of social media, including TikTok, as that
will enable them to stay away from immoral behaviour and protect them from
becoming narcissists.
3. TikTok should be used to spread Islamic
religious messages to other Muslims who are not well-versed in it, and even to
non-Muslims.
4. Parents should closely monitor how
their children use social media, especially TikTok (what they post and view)
keeping them on the appropriate track of Islam.
5. Parents and teachers have the
responsibility of educating children about the value of time in Islam, as that
will help the children manage their time properly in their mundane affairs so
that they will not waste it by doing unnecessary things, such as watching nude
videos on TikTok.
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