UNVERIFIED INFORMATION IN SOCIAL NETWORKS: ANALYSIS FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In contemporary society, social media has evolved into an indispensable and pervasive tool, impacting individuals worldwide across various dimensions, including the personal, social, economic, and political spheres. The basic expectation from social networks is to serve the people and society by providing important, authentic information and verified news. Unfortunately, false news, rumours and fabricated information on social networks have become a threat to individuals, and a destructive tool for peace and societal harmony. The unregulated proliferation of hoaxes on social networks can lead to a myriad of societal disruptions and issues, thereby intensifying the need for harmonious and peaceful coexistence as advocated by both individuals and society at large. This is a qualitative descriptive article that explores the Islamic understanding and rulings on the spread of unverified information in social networks intentionally for gaining personal interest or political advantages. The article also recommends some ethical and moral precepts of revealed knowledge to ensure the proper use of social networks for the benefit of individuals and community, and to avoid unethical violation and immoral actions.