Surfing pornographic websites
Fatwa No: 89335

Question

I'm working in the Islamic school and my boss allowed me to surf on the Internet, but sometimes I'm very frustrated to click on the porn picture. My questions are:
1) Although I'm allowed to surf on the Internet, the boss must joint the sin as I did?
2) I must pay money at the time as I surfed on the porn picture or not.
3) What should I do? Please, reply my questions.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

Looking at nudity, obscenity, pornography and browsing such sites is one of the great causes of losing one's faith. This is a dangerous step that swamps individuals and nations in vice and depravity and which leads to their destructions.

The Prophet said: "After me I have not left any affliction more harmful to men than women." [Al Bukhari]

The Prophet also said: "Do not follow an unintentional look (at forbidden things) with another look. The first glance is for you (pardonable) whereas the other glance is not for you (that is sin)."

Allaah has said before (which means): {Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them.}[Quran 24:30].

So, we ask Allaah to protect the honor of Muslims and make them obedient and observe His limits in secret and public.

Internet is a means that could be used in good and bad ways. Muslims have to use this technology in a good and useful way. They have to aspire to get useful and beneficial knowledge, science and other skills that are helpful and profitable. The Prophet said: "Be keen to attain that which benefits you." [Muslim]

Now you have to sincerely repent as soon as possible and should give up sin immediately. What helps you in this concern is to avoid browsing the Internet while you are alone, rather you should use it with pious persons.

As for whether the one who allowed you to surf the Internet bear the sin of your deeds, it depends on his kind of permission. If he had allowed you to use pornographic sites, or he knew that but did not prevent you from doing so, then he bears some part of the sin.

If you were not allowed to view the pornographic sites then you have to pay for the time you used it for that purpose, or the one who permitted you to use it must pay it.

However, if you were working for the one who allowed you to use internet then you have to make repentance only. 

Allaah knows best.

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