Religious Affairs Advisor Frames Social Media as a Force for Good
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain has emphasized that “ensuring the proper use of social media is the responsibility of the state.” He stated that, in line with Islamic teachings, spreading knowledge, standing for truth, and avoiding falsehood and obscenity are essential. “If social media is used with honesty, morality, and welfare in light of the teachings of Rasulullah (SAW), it can become a powerful tool for the betterment of humanity,” he said.
Dr. Hossain made these remarks at the Golden Jubilee session of the International Seeratun Nabi (SAW) Conference, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event was organized by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
According to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs on September 6, the theme of this year’s conference was: “The Responsibility of the State in Educating and Training for the Positive Use of Social Media in Light of the Teachings of the Prophet (SAW).”
Highlighting the global significance of digital platforms, Dr. Hossain added, “In today’s world, social media has emerged as a powerful medium. It is having a profound impact on people’s thoughts, education, culture, and social values. If its proper use is ensured, social media can serve as a tool for knowledge dissemination, religious outreach, development of moral and spiritual values, and fostering positive social change. However, misuse of the medium can lead to obscenity, misguided ideologies, rumor-mongering, and moral decay.”
The conference, chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yusuf, was also addressed by Minister for Poverty Alleviation Imran Shah; Sheikh Mahmoud Sidq, Religious Adviser to the Palestinian President and Chief Justice of the Shariah Court; Sheikh Adil Abdul Rahman, Member of Bahrain’s Shariah Shura Council; and Sheikh Abdul Hamid Ragib, Secretary of Dar al-Ifta, Egypt, among others.
