TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over 1 billion monthly active users. However, given its music and dance focused content, some Muslims have questioned whether using TikTok would be permitted according to Islamic principles. There are differing opinions on this issue, with some arguing that TikTok should be avoided, while others believe it can be used in a halal manner. This article will examine both sides of the debate and explore the evidence around whether Muslims can use TikTok.
Concerns Around TikTok Usage for Muslims
There are several concerns that have been raised about TikTok usage for Muslims:
Promotion of Immorality
Some of the content on TikTok has been criticized for promoting immorality. This includes videos with sexualized dancing, revealing clothing, profanity, and promotion of LGBTQ relationships. From an Islamic perspective, consuming and sharing content like this would be considered haram. The Quran instructs believers to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.
“Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (Quran 24:30)
Time Wasting
Critics argue that TikTok can become very addictive and lead to excessive time wasting. Muslims are encouraged to be productive with their time and avoid laziness and distractions from remembrance of Allah.
“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” (Quran 63:9)
Spread of Misinformation
The short video format makes it easy for misinformation and false claims to spread quickly on TikTok without accountability. Consuming and sharing incorrect or unreliable information would go against Islamic principles.
“O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.” (Quran 49:6)
Music and Dancing
A significant amount of content on TikTok involves music, singing, and dancing. There are differing views on music in Islam – some scholars prohibit music altogether, while others only forbid certain types of music. However, there is consensus that sensual dancing and mixing of genders is not permitted.
Arguments for Allowing TikTok Usage
While the concerns are understandable, some have argued that TikTok can be used by Muslims in a halal way:
Not All Content is Objectionable
Not all content on TikTok goes against Islamic values. There is a wide variety of topics covered including comedy, education, small businesses, talent shows, and inspirational stories. Muslims can choose who to follow and what content to engage with.
“And it is He who has released [simultaneously] the two seas, one fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and He placed between them a barrier and prohibiting partition.” (Quran 25:53)
This verse is interpreted to mean that while haram and halal exist together in the world, believers are able to distinguish between them.
It Can Be Used for Dawah
Some Muslims have successfully used TikTok to promote spiritual messages, clear up misconceptions about Islam, and invite others to the faith. This form of peaceful dawah or proselytization is encouraged in Islam.
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction…” (Quran 16:125)
Moderation and Self-Control
Rather than an outright ban, some argue that TikTok can be used in moderation and with self-control to avoid haram content. Believers should develop their ability to temper their desires and exercise wisdom.
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Quran 2:185)
This verse indicates that while Islam has prohibitions, Allah does not intend to make things difficult. With prudent use, some argue that TikTok can be permitted.
Scholarly Opinions
Muslim scholars have weighed in with Islamic legal opinions (fatwas) on whether using TikTok is halal. Here are some major positions:
Permissible With Conditions
Some scholars have argued that using TikTok is permissible as long as users adhere to certain Islamic conditions:
– Avoid music, dancing, and immoral content
– Do not post anything that promotes sinful behavior
– Use it for beneficial purposes like education, dawah, or business
– Practice modesty in dress, speech, and behavior
– Avoid wasting excessive time on entertainment
Prominent scholar Assim al Hakeem argues it can be used positively by promoting good and forbidding evil.
Better to Avoid Altogether
Other more conservative scholars have recommended completely avoiding TikTok. Syrian scholar Muhammad Ratib An-Nabulsi states that social media like TikTok plant evil desires in the heart and should be avoided.
Depends on Ability to Exercise Self-Control
Some scholars have emphasized the importance of self-control, arguing that if a Muslim feels they cannot resist temptation and waste time on TikTok, they should avoid it. But if they are able to exercise wisdom and moderation, then cautious use may be permissible.
Examples of Halal Use of TikTok by Muslims
Here are some examples of how Muslims are using TikTok in a halal way:
Education
Muslim users share educational content about Islamic history, Quranic lessons, inspirational figures, and moral values:
– @islamic_history
– @learnwithzahra
– @islamicreminders
Business Promotion
Muslim entrepreneurs promote their businesses and sell products in a modest way:
– @halalfoodfactory
– @modanisa (modest fashion)
– @yamilethscuisine (halal cooking)
Charitable Causes
Muslims use TikTok to promote charitable initiatives and campaigns:
– @muslimaidaustralia
– @pwd_yemen
– @raftusaintl (Rahma Food Aid Foundation)
Islamic Reminders
Users share motivational and inspirational content like short reminders to pray, give charity, read Quran:
– @sahla_says
– @adamandmadi
– @dawahgram
Talent/Comedy
Muslims demonstrate talents and creative skills through activities like nasheed recitations, poetry, art, and comedy routines:
– @zainbhikha
– @mohsinali
– @ummkulthum
Guidelines for Halal Use of TikTok by Muslims
For Muslims who wish to use TikTok in a careful and constructive way, here are some guidelines that can help:
Intention
Use TikTok with the right intention to benefit your faith, seek knowledge, and promote good. Do not aimlessly browse for entertainment.
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran 13:11)
Privacy Settings
Adjust privacy settings like:
– Making account private to control followers
– Disabling share transfer to other apps like Instagram
– Disabling “Suggest your account to others”
Avoid Temptations
Do not browse sections like “For You” which contain a mix of content. Stick to content from people you intentionally follow.
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Quran 17:32)
No Music
Avoid sections with music like trending songs and dances. Do not create or share content with music.
“And of the people is he who buys the amusement of speech to mislead [others] from the way of Allah…” (Quran 31:6)
Modest Behavior
Dress, speak, and behave in a dignified, modest way. Do not post or view any sensual content.
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment…” (Quran 7:26)
Avoid Excess
Use TikTok in moderation at appropriate times. Do not let it distract from obligatory acts like salah.
“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” (Quran 63:9)
Promote Good
Prioritize beneficial content that promotes moral values, ethics, education, charity, family values, and spiritual upliftment.
“Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Quran 5:2)
Conclusion
There are legitimate concerns about some of the content on TikTok going against Islamic principles. However, the platform itself is not inherently prohibited. With proper wisdom and self-control, Muslims can use TikTok constructively for education, business, charity, and dawah while avoiding haram content and excessive time wasting. Ultimately, each Muslim must weigh the evidence and make the personal choice they feel will be pleasing to Allah.