Sharī'ah Standards for the Use of Social Media Particularly WhatsApp in the Dissemination of the Qur'an and Sunnah: An Applied Study in the Modern Context

قرآن وسنت کی نشرواشاعت میں سوشل میڈیا بالخصوص واٹس ایپ کےا ستعمال کے شرعی معیارات: عصری تناظرمیں ایک تطبیقی جائزہ

Abstract

This study explores the Sharī'ah standards governing the use of social media, particularly WhatsApp, in disseminating the Qur'ān and Sunnah within the contemporary context. Social media platforms have transformed how religious knowledge is shared, offering unprecedented opportunities for the global distribution of Islamic teachings. However, these advancements also pose ethical and religious challenges that must be carefully navigated to ensure compliance with Islamic law. The research examines core principles of Shari'ah, such as sincerity of intention (niyyah), authenticity of content, ethical considerations, and the potential risks of misrepresentation or distortion of Islamic teachings when shared digitally. It also addresses the need for ensuring that the dissemination of sacred knowledge is done in a respectful manner, preserving the sanctity of the Qur'ān and Ḥadīth, and reaching a balance between accessibility and reverence. Through qualitative analysis of contemporary use cases and relevant fatwas, the study provides guidelines for responsible sharing of Islamic knowledge on social media. It concludes that while platforms like WhatsApp offer great potential for da'wah, their use must be regulated by clear Shari'ah principles to prevent misuse, misinterpretation, and disrespect for sacred texts. The research underscores the importance of ethical digital engagement in the spread of Islam and suggests practical measures to ensure that the dissemination aligns with both traditional values and modern realities.