n a move likely to spark debate, the influential Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic educational institute in Pakistan, has issued a Fatwa declaring the popular social media platform TikTok “illegal and haram” for Muslims.
The Fatwa, issued on December 25th, 2023, cites concerns over the platform’s “promotion of vulgarity, obscenity, and immoral content,” posing a risk to Islamic values and morality.
The Fatwa, signed by prominent religious scholars of the institute, argues that TikTok’s algorithm and nature of short, often unfiltered videos, encourages the sharing of “inappropriate dance moves, revealing clothing, and morally questionable behavior.”
It further expresses concern about the potential for “addiction and negative mental health impacts,” particularly among vulnerable younger users.
The Fatwa has sparked debate in Pakistan, with supporters praising the institute’s stance on protecting Islamic morals and critics questioning the feasibility of enforcing such a ruling in the digital age. Some argue that the onus lies on individuals to navigate online content responsibly, while others fear the Fatwa could lead to censorship and hinder online freedom.