Muslim clerics consider Facebook Fatwa

Published on Thursday 21 May 2009 10:32

Muslim clerics are seeking ways to regulate online behaviour in Indonesia, saying the exploding popularity of social networking sites like Facebook could encourage illicit sex.

Around 700 clerics, or imams, gathering in the world's most populous Muslim nation today were considering guidelines forbidding their followers from going online to flirt or engage in practices they believe could encourage extramarital affairs.

Facebook said Indonesia, a nation of 235 million, was its fastest-growing country in Southeast Asia in 2008, with a 645% increase to 831,000 users – outpacing China and India.

And with less than 0.5% of Indonesia's citizens wired, there is a huge potential for growth.

"The clerics think it is necessary to set an edict on virtual networking, because this online relationship could lead to lust, which is forbidden in Islam," said Nabil Haroen, a spokesman for the Lirboyo Islamic boarding school that is hosting the event.

Though followers could still be members of the networking site, guidelines dealing with surfing the web and Islamic values are urgently needed, he said.

Facebook officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An edict by the clerics would not have any legal weight. But it could be endorsed by the influential Ulema Council, which recently issued rulings against smoking and yoga.

Most devout Muslims adhere to the council's rulings because ignoring a fatwa, or religious decree, is considered a sin.