Jamia Binori Town in Karachi has issued a fatwa (religious edict) against the use of TikTok, calling for a ban on the popular video-sharing app. The fatwa alleges that TikTok is exploited for financial gain through the dissemination of inappropriate content.
Accusing TikTok of being a platform primarily used for involvement in illicit activities, including sharing prohibited images, videos, and music, the fatwa emphasizes violations such as the propagation of indecent content and inappropriate humor. From a religious standpoint, the fatwa unequivocally deems the use of TikTok as forbidden and impermissible.
Owned by China-based ByteDance, TikTok is one of the most widely used video-sharing apps in Pakistan, with over 39 million downloads reported in 2022 alone. The fatwa raises concerns about the impact of TikTok on societal values and moral conduct, suggesting that individuals, both young and elderly, may engage in activities that do not align with strong moral character.
This call for a ban on TikTok reflects a broader debate about the regulation of social media platforms and their content in various regions, as religious and cultural authorities weigh in on the potential impact of these platforms on local values and ethics.
