All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May Allah`s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Introduction:
Social media is classified as one of the forms of New Media. In their different forms and names, social media platforms, facilitate the exchange of information and linguistic/non-linguistic messages among individuals and groups. They differ from traditional media in that official or ethical control over them is weak since each individual is considered an independent broadcasting channel, and the participants are in the billions, making the regulation of these platforms extremely challenging. This is especially true because countries vary in their principles and laws as what may be considered a crime in one country may not be so in others. The promotion of sexual deviation is one such example; it is an ethical and legal offense in some Islamic and Western countries like Russia, while it is supported in most European countries and the United States based on the prioritization of individual freedom over religions and divine laws.
The Islamic perspective on sexual deviation:
The Islamic perspective on sexual deviation is based on the belief that Allah created humans in male and female forms and ordained marriage as a means to fulfill sexual instincts and ensure the continuity of reproduction for the preservation of the human race. This is reflected in the words of Allah Who Says (What means): "Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)? Then did he become a leech-like clot; then did (God) make and fashion (him) in due proportion. And of him He made two sexes, male and female. Has not He, (the same), the power to give life to the dead?" [Al-Qiyamah/37-39].
Deviation from this natural order, as seen in the case of sexual deviation, involves advocating for sexual attraction and engagement with individuals of the same gender. This is considered a departure from the innate, sound nature that Allah created people upon, leading to corruption of this natural disposition. Straying from the righteous path can result in emotional and psychological turmoil, a decline in fertility, and its eventual loss. Consequentially, such deviations clash with one of the key objectives of Islamic Law.
In Islamic tradition, the people of Lot are considered to be the first community to engage in sexual deviation, and this behavior became a societal phenomenon among them. The Quran describes how the Prophet Lot (Lut in Arabic) condemned their reprehensible actions. Allah Says in the Quran (What means): "The people of Lut rejected the apostles. Behold, their brother Lut said to them: "Will ye not fear (God)?"I am to you an apostle worthy of all trust. "So fear God and obey me." No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the lord of the Worlds. "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, "And leave those whom God has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" They said: "If thou desist not, O Lut! thou wilt assuredly be cast out (Ash-Shu'ara: 160-167).The actions of the people of Lot were considered a transgression of the bounds, as Allah created males and females for each other. Deviating from this natural order was viewed as a form of corruption and a departure from the righteous path. In response to their actions, Allah`s punishment befell them, as mentioned in the Quran: " They said: "If thou desist not, O Lut! thou wilt assuredly be cast out He said: "I do detest your doings." "O my Lord! deliver me and my family from such things as they do!" So We delivered him and his family,- all Except an old woman who lingered behind. But the rest We destroyed utterly. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe." [Ash-Shu'ara/168-174].
There is no disagreement among Islamic jurists that sexual deviation is prohibited, and considered one of the gravest and most abhorrent sins. Allah Says (What means): "(We also sent) Lut (as an apostle): behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant!" [An-Namil/54-55]. Reflect on how the Prophet Lot (peace be upon him) referred to this deviant behavior as "immorality" and emphasized that it was a manifestation of ignorance.
Imam Ahmad and the four Sunan compilers reported from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever you find committing the act of the people of Lot, kill the one doing it and the one to whom it is done." The severity of this punishment indicates the heinousness of the act. The punishment corresponds to the nature of the deed, as the crime of sexual deviation is likened to the killing of human nature among people. The one who commits and promotes such acts is deserving of being treated like a murderer of the human soul because corrupting human nature is no less abhorrent than taking a life.
How is the promotion of the crime of sexual deviation done?
The methods employed by advocates for promoting the crime of sexual deviation in societies have varied between traditional and modern approaches. Among the traditional methods is the dissemination of books, novels, and stories that glorify and promote this vice, defending its perpetrators. These materials portray them as innocent victims with high morals, aiming to garner sympathy for them, normalize their disgraceful behavior, and present them as persecuted individuals. In this context, we observe that censorship on publications and books, acting as a barrier to preserve societal values and ethics, becomes ineffective against the onslaught of the internet, where the control can be bypassed by downloading books online. This poses a challenge that is difficult for authorities to overcome.
Similarly, the situation applies to what is presented in TV series and movies, including animated films. Platforms such as Netflix serve as an open and supportive space for anything that promotes deviant ideas and abnormal behaviors, whether directly or indirectly through artistic means. Controlling and regulating content on such platforms can also be challenging.
It is no secret that some Western actors, singers, and athletes play a role in promoting this deviation, especially in paid interviews on talk shows. They are considered influencers, and their opinions are often viewed as indisputable facts by their fans and supporters. A recent example is the German national football team during the World Cup in Qatar, where the team expressed their support for the LGBTQ+ community. They regretted being prohibited from displaying the emblem representing these individuals, considering it a violation of freedom of expression. They took a group photo with their hands covering their mouths, creating an iconic image that circulated in the media.
All of the aforementioned is disseminated and distributed through various social media platforms. When we add the content found on the pages of those involved in such practices, featuring readable, audible, or visual content that promotes their indecent behaviors, we understand that the dissemination of such vice occurs on a very wide and organized scale, especially through social media.
The impact of social media on promoting sexual deviation:
Based on the previously provided information and considering that social media represents a state of fluidity that is difficult to regulate or control, with users finding solutions and workarounds to any technology attempting to restrict their access. This is in addition to the control of algorithms by networks on these platforms prevents content opposing this deviant ideology while simultaneously promoting deviant content. Taking all of this into consideration, the conclusion is that we are facing a danger that threatens the awareness, identity, and ethics of society, putting the societal structure at risk. The social order teeters on the edge of a precipice, marked by a clear distortion of beliefs, culture, traditions, and norms.
The reviewer observes the impact of these platforms in undermining religious, societal, and human values. This influence has manifested in some individuals within our societies, with some adopting their ideology and engaging in their practices. At the very least, there are those who defend the rights of these deviants to exercise their freedom.
A significant portion of the youth, including both males and females, and even younger individuals, are avid users of social media. Notably, there is a lack of sufficient oversight on their activities as they spend long hours flipping through these platforms. Additionally, there is a noticeable absence of parental guidance and awareness, as parents may not be attentive to or may be unaware of the deceptive and indirect methods used by purveyors of harmful ideologies to promote their ideas. Collectively, these factors lead to the conclusion that the younger generation faces a real danger. It is crucial to raise awareness about this threat and to alert individuals to it. Otherwise, a majority of this generation may fall into the trap of these criminal ideologies. It is worth noting that the process of influence and susceptibility is much more pronounced among the youth compared to older adults. However, it's not uncommon to find examples of older individuals influenced by these deviations, albeit to a lesser extent than among the youth, and in smaller numbers.
It is essential to know that various social media platforms do not provide a safe environment, as they lack restrictions and reflect the Western ideology of absolute freedom, without consideration for religious values and societal ethics. This makes users susceptible to falling into the trap of those promoting sexual deviation and moral corruption.
Conclusion:
We, as individuals, institutions, and society, need to raise awareness among parents and children. The war fundamentally targets awareness, so we must engage in this battle by using all available means to minimize potential losses. It is crucial to caution our sons and daughters about sexual deviation, explaining to them the religious, ethical, and societal dangers of this crime, and its negative repercussions on both individual and societal lives. Parents and guardians should also be reminded that social media is not a safe environment, prompting them to increase awareness among their children through gentle monitoring to achieve the intended goal and purpose.
