Ensuring proper use of social media is the state’s responsibility: religious affairs adviser

Religious affairs adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain has said that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the proper use of social media.

He noted that if social media is used in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, based on honesty, morality and welfare — it can become a powerful tool for the benefit of humanity.

He made these remarks on Saturday (September 6) at the golden jubilee session of the International Siratunnabi (pbuh) Conference, organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The theme of this year’s conference was: “The state’s responsibility in promoting learning and training for the positive use of social media in light of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).”

The adviser further said that social media today exerts deep influence on people’s thoughts, education, culture and social values. If used correctly, it can serve as a medium for the pursuit of knowledge, religious outreach, moral development and positive social change. However, misuse may lead to obscenity, the spread of rumours and false ideologies, and moral degradation.

The conference was presided over by Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yusuf. Other speakers included Pakistan’s Minister for Poverty Alleviation Imran Shah, Sheikh Mahmoud Sidq — adviser on religious affairs to the President of Palestine and Chief Justice of the Shariah Court, Sheikh Adil Abdul Rahman — member of Bahrain’s Shariah Shura Council, and Sheikh Abdul Hamid Ragib — secretary of Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta.