Bismillah ir-rahman ir-rahim
Assalam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatu
Etiquettes of the Mobile Phone
Islam has never been
opposed to advancement. However, certain advancements are such that
together with their benefits come much harm. Whilst mobile technology and the mobile phone in particular has revolutionized the way we live, it is important that we utilize such technology appropriately.
together with their benefits come much harm. Whilst mobile technology and the mobile phone in particular has revolutionized the way we live, it is important that we utilize such technology appropriately.
Crude Manners
It is important to realize
that there are certain etiquettes of speaking on the phone. For example when
calling someone, many people do not first ask the person they are calling
whether it is convenient for them to speak at that very moment. They simply
begin a long conversation without any regard for the inconvenience they cause
the person they have called. There are yet others who, whilst in the company of
others, answer phone calls and begin to casually converse with whoever has
called them. Doing this is akin to turning your face away from those in your company
whilst in the middle of a conversation and engaging in conversation with
someone else without any explanation or apology to the first. Such behavior is
indeed inappropriate and a reflection of crude manners. And giving salam no matter how many times you have called a certain person, don't forget the salam.
The mobile phone,
whilst being a very useful item, can prove to be a robber of time too. People
feel obliged to utilize the free minutes and texts they have within their contract.
If one has an allowance of 500 minutes or 500 texts within his talk plan, it is
not necessary to utilize all these minutes or texts. By calling people or
texting them only to use up the allowance, we are wasting valuable time which
could have been utilized in productive activities.
Nowadays, many people
send ‘Jumu‘ah Mubarak’ text every week to friends and associates. The contents
of many of these texts are not authentic and sometimes not in line with Islamic
teachings, some sheikhs consider it Bidaa'h. One needs to be cautious before forwarding any message of this
nature. Many people forward these messages just because they apparently sound
good irrespective of the message being incorrect. Do not forward any message
until you are sure of its authenticity, if you are keen to propagate the
beautiful teachings of Islam by using the text facility then make sure it is
something beneficial, correct and authentic. Moreover, the day of Jumu‘ah
should not be fixed for this; any day and every day should be made Mubarak by
conveying a piece from the teachings of our beautiful deen.
When attending the
masjid one should switch off his mobile or put it on Silent mode. Failure to do so will result in one
being disrespectful to the house of Allah as well as being a means of
disturbance to others if the phone were to ring. It is prudent not to even
leave the phone in vibration mode. In this situation if the phone were to
receive a call during salah, not only will it divert the phone owner’s attention
it will also disturb the person next to him. Many people immediately after the completion
of salah check their phones for possible missed calls or messages. This shows
that although one was physically standing in the court of Allah, mentally he
was elsewhere. Thus we should switch our phones off before entering the masjid
and not pay attention towards them until we leave.
Many people would not
even dream of answering a phone call whilst in the masjid when they are in
their localities. However we observe the very same people freely using the
mobile phone in the Haram Sharif in Makkah and Madina. One should make a firm
resolution and refrain from this for this leads to neglect and many other
wrongs whilst in blessed places. Musical Ring Tones we should make sure that we
have an appropriate simple ring tone on our mobile phone. To keep a musical
ring tone is haram as the playing of music, or being a means of it being played
is a sin. It is quite unfortunate that even when in Haramayn Sharīfayn whilst
performing tawāf or presenting salam to the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him), the musical tones of mobile phones are heard. This is haram
and a major sin. Safeguard yourself from such things that distance you from the
Creator.
‘Islamic’ Ring Tones
The adhan, salam, tilawah
of the Glorious Qur’an, and nasheed are used as ring tones by many on mobile
phones. The adhan has a set time and a purpose and should only be announced at
the time for the stipulated purpose. Salam also has a specific purpose which is
to greet one another. The Glorious Qur’an is the word of Allah and has been sent
for guidance of mankind. The Shari’ah has stipulated many rulings in regard to
this great book. Nasheed are recited to inculcate and increase the love for our
beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in our hearts. None
of these should be used to inform us that someone is calling us. This is disrespectful.
One should merely keep a simple ring tone for this purpose.
How Many Rings?
If when ringing
someone one finds that the phone cuts off after a few rings or diverts to an
answering machine, then the caller may try again. One should retry a maximum of
three times for it may be that the person was busy and as he approached the
phone it stopped ringing and thus he was unable to answer. However, there are
some phones that do not divert or cut-off and keep ringing. In such cases the
caller should let it continue ringing for that duration which would be considered
normal, approximately three rings. If the call is not answered then put the phone
down because not answering indicates that the person is either occupied or does
not wish to speak. Do not cause inconvenience by compelling.
Mobile and Teachers
It is not permissible
for teachers at madrasah or schools to use the mobile during their working
hours for the madrasah and the school has purchased that time from them. This
time does not belong to them; it has become the property of the employing
establishment.
Social Media
When it comes to social media platforms still use it well in an appropriate manner with accordance to Islamic teachings. Just because your parent or guardian is not your follower or friend doesn't mean Allah is not watching. You will be accountable for all of your statuses and pictures as well as your browser history. Be very careful not to earn the Wrath of Allah. You can not march up to it.
And
Allah knows best.
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