Fatwa #341615 July 2001United States of America
Running an internet cafe or ISP for browsing, chatting with people of opposite gender
Question
According to Shari'ah, is it permissible to be an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and charge a service fee considering the fact that it might be used in immoral and unlawful activities?
Answer
Internet is a modern technique of communication and its use is not
prohibited in Shari'ah. Therefore, charging a service fee is not prohibited.
The using of the Internet for some unlawful activities does not render all
the Internet Services as prohibited. It is similar to a tape-recorder which
can be used for both permissible and prohibited activities. The person using
the internet and tape recorder will be responsible for using them for
unlawful activities.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.
prohibited in Shari'ah. Therefore, charging a service fee is not prohibited.
The using of the Internet for some unlawful activities does not render all
the Internet Services as prohibited. It is similar to a tape-recorder which
can be used for both permissible and prohibited activities. The person using
the internet and tape recorder will be responsible for using them for
unlawful activities.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.