The Ethics of Information and Communication Technology in an Islamic Perspective, Overview
Highlighting ICT (Information & Communication Technology) ethics or sometimes referred to as cyber etiquette's; Islamic perspective in light of references from Hadees & Quran and in light of Western perspective should be the main focus when we talk about greater acts of morality or ethics. It is most required that we utilize the facilities avoiding the negative effect to prevent issues/propaganda's. Islam is a complete code of life which in fact is an answer to potential daily life problems, on the contradict western culture at times not recommended to follow because sometimes supports unethical conducts such as bribery, drinking, drugs, shame in the country’s culture and historical values.
As, day by day, we’re entering into a digital era, where everything and everyone is remotely accessible, day by day improvement in ICT systems/structures, computer users need to know the basic ethics. It is necessary for ICT users, professionals, students to understand the code of ethics, how they should carry out their profession in a moral way. It is necessary for ICT developers to be mindful about the understanding of the field. Ethics is a code of morality, either a good or bad moral. Morality is considered to be of higher values sometimes, as compared to the customs and moral principles are meant to supersede customs that are acts of unmorality. A continuous practice of high morality values and perfect implementation depends on the will power and devotion to observe and follow.
Islam is placed at the highest level for explain the moral & ethical values. The Islamic scholars, researchers use Quran, Books of Hadees & other material for reference from the past to explain the answer for any issue. The life of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), is the finest ideal for the magnificent moral values, which applied in daily life, can have guaranteed change on the entire outlook of life and its matters. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said that the best are those who have good values & character. It has been repetitively stressed in the Holy Quran to observe ethical values throughout the human behavior. In the western perspective; ethics is not part of science instead it is a part of philosophy. Science at point restricts you think beyond, or just makes your mind revolve around a certain area whereas, as compared to knowledge, it is concerned with the broad ideas & concepts and qualitative reasoning or questioning. Knowledge refers to the practical experience or sound research on a subject. To attain useful on does not have any boundaries or limitations to broaden or widespread knowledge.
The aspects of ethics in ICT field are widespread and need to be known by everyone. We can communicate, exchange information and send information to millions of users through-out the globe. Privacy is the concealment of information about a group or person. Islam has esteemed privacy of everyone and no violations are allowed unless allowed or they’re compelling reasons. The ownership, copyright holding or permissions are generally referred to as Intellectual Property.
Sharing and using royalty-free content isn’t a crime but deliberately copying and using material isn’t acceptable. It is very righteous to help others and educate but helping in a sinful act isn’t a good thing. Many activities are done through ICT, which theft/crimes and include stealing personal information, deliberately accessing a person’s or organization’s private information and use it for unnecessary purposes of leaking private pictures or data/statistics. During the evolution of computers, computer geeks have been looking out/exploring new things and solutions to possible to problems, keeping aside the positive exploration some have been indulging in accessing information outside the authorized systems. Some individuals also try to snoop in other’s systems to analyze and steal potential information that is either confidential or not meant for everyone to know. It has also been stated in the Quran not to exceed limits & Allah does not like the one who exceed the limits. For the secrecy and protection of data certain guidelines have also been formulated which include fines and imprisonment. Unethical hacking, snooping, misuse of computer’s can have adverse effects on the brain of the youth and can have adverse consequences. This system of protecting data and keeping it safe ransom attacks, it is necessary that a subsequent check and balance is maintained and regular updating is done. The globe is now under the shadow of ICT and it is necessary that users use & developers deep in accordance with Islamic Ethics and not be a source or part of unethical activities.
❖ The development in ICT has good & bad impacts on the society. On the good side, communication has become easier, the teachings of Islam can be delivered without any margins. The bad effects are that the society is effectively vulnerable to consume content not suitably or that does not promote good & people working against Islam get an open opportunity of promoting their filth
❖ In the modern age of ICT, the data is vulnerable to hacking and breach of personal information. Hacking into the systems with prior permission to detect flaws and issues may be referred to white hacking. On the contrary, hacking for personal/negative intentions may be considered as black hackers.
❖ Many organizations keep a track of their employee’s data and sometimes keep an eye on their activities; the individuals must be informed beforehand and the secrecy of data is the organization’s responsibility.
❖ There is high requirement that the law making agencies and forces make strict rules and regulations for prevention of cyber-crimes and breach of data, also implement on them.
Overview: Khawaja Mutti-ur-Rehman
Research By : Ahmad Asadullah, Bello Yerima, Yusuf Aliyu
Kulliyyah of information and Communication Technology
International Islamic University Malaysia
