Islam and modern information technologies

Abstract

Our article is devoted to the relationship of Islam with modern information technologies. The given theme is especially actual, in connection with that information technologies have covered all spheres of our vital activity and have firmly occupied the advanced positions in development of humankind. It is inconceivable today for our existence without mobile communication, the World Wide Web, online stores, electronic media, social networks and other delights of IT progress, which only succeeds in giving out the next innovations. Innovations are subject to all areas of life, including the system of state administration. Islam also not aside from attention to the fruits of modernity. Since believers are the most active part of the society, thinking first about the essence of innovations, how they are able to influence spirituality and the future of generations, and only then they are tasted. In the main part, a comparative analysis is given, as well as all discoveries, information technologies have positive and negative sides. Beginning with the invention of archery and ending with the curbing of nuclear energy, any product of human thought can serve both for the extraction of goods and for becoming an instrument of destruction. In the final part, emphasis is placed on the fact that, contrary to the generally accepted opinion, Muslims can and should use the Internet and social networks. It is necessary to follow the principle given in the Holy Quran Surah Ali ‘Imran [3:104], which says: «There must be among you a community calling to good, and enjoining and actively promoting what is right and forbidding and trying to prevent evil (in appropriate ways). They are those who are the prosperous» (Unal2008: 157).