Does Facebook lead to adultery?

That's the logic of some powerful Muslim clerics in Indonesia. But others would be happy to "friend" you.

By Peter Gelling - GlobalPost
Published: May 28, 2009 10:51 ET
Updated: June 10, 2009 09:28 ET
Page 2 of 2

Following the news, numerous influential ulema stood up for the site, calling it an invaluable tool. Din Syamsuddin, leader of the country’s second-largest Muslim group with 30 million members, told Indonesia’s state news agency that he had several Facebook accounts with almost 15,000 friends.

“Facebook is a communication tool just like the cell phone, e-mail and other very useful information technology devices,” he said. “There is even a Muhammadiyah group of regular Facebook users called ‘Jamaah Facebookiah.’”

Professors at the Islamic College in South Jakarta, which offers an undergraduate program and a masters in both Islamic philosophy and Islamic mysticism, recommend their students sign up for Facebook as a useful way to share news and religious ideas.

During a break from class this week, several of the school’s students said the idea of banning Facebook was absurd.

“Why make it haram? It is good for finding more friends and more knowledge,” said Rugayah Ahmad Al Kaff, a 20-year-old freshman, who wears a headscarf and is studying all things Islam. “I check my Facebook five times a day, for almost one hour each time!”

Despite being devout Muslims, the young students admit they pay little attention to the religious edicts passed by the Ulema Council, Nahdlatul Ulama or Muhammadiyah, saying that the leaders of those organizations are often out of touch with average Indonesians and are passing fatwas that have little bearing on the country’s real problems.

“I could understand banning Facebook if its contents were are all pornos, though that would be quite funny to me,” said Reno Ramutu, 26. “But there are many other issues other than Facebook that are more important, that could more reasonably be called haram.”

More GlobalPost dispatches on Indonesia:

Saving the 'Coral Triangle'

The wandering Rohingya

Watching for disaster

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Posted by KendraK on October 22, 2009 17:08 ET

I hope that facebook remains available in indonesia (and I am sure it will).

People have got to be careful though, when meeting people on the internet - especially on social network sites where you are encouraged to be as honest and 'sharing' as possible. I found this story which shows how easy it is to be deceived online (though it helps if you are already predisposed to straying...)

http://atmospera.com/2009/10/22/adultery-hoax-on-facebook-ends-in-divorce/

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