Fatwa ID: 07352
Answered by: Alimah Saleha Bukhari Islam
Question:
Should I disconnect the internet in windows after I end what I have to do like programming because I downloaded windows and its drivers and my family watches Haram on it.
Will I get the sins of my family who watches Haram videos.
Should I delete the internet driver or only disconnect it or do I not have to do anything?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Downloading windows and its drivers is a necessary step for using a computer. The usage of a computer offers connection to the internet which is a global system of networks that connect computers all over the world. You can use a device, such as a computer, tablet or a smartphone, to connect to the internet and access information and services. The internet allows a person to check emails, do online shopping and banking, keep in touch with family and friends, receive UpToDate news, watch television and use of social media. Online searches and services allow access to information which can be beneficial to everyday life.
The internet, at its core, is not unlawful and, therefore, by providing this service, does not implicate you in a sin committed by someone else. Whilst there is an element of assistance in providing the service, how the service is used is up to the responsible person. If another adult member of your family is using the internet service to commit haram, you will not be held accountable for their sins.
Allah says: “And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.”1 [Al-An‘am, 6:164]
We commend you for your concern regarding aiding another person towards sin. You can gently and kindly advise the person on the harms involved in the sin they are committing. You would have done your duty of commanding good and forbidding evil.
Allah says: “…Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment.”2 [Al-Mai’dah, 5:2]
There is no need to disconnect the internet, the usage of internet is something that is available in every household now. However, if the matter is about children or young adults misusing the internet then you may limit their usage to daytime and monitor their usage of the internet especially if you are responsible for them. The usage of the internet can lean towards halal or haram depending on whether the usage is for halal or haram purposes. The principle of ‘that which leads to a haram, also becomes haram’ is used to block the means which may lead to that which is haram. On this basis, you can ban the usage of the internet for the children or young adults in your household to discipline the bad habit.
Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.
Written by Alimah Saleha Bukhari Islam
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
1 وَلَا تَكْسِبُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ إِلَّا عَلَيْهَا ۚ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌۭ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُم مَّرْجِعُكُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ ١٦٤
2 وَتَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْعُدْوَٰنِ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ ٢
