Challenges of Fake News and Qur’anic Guidance: An Analysis of Social Media in the Light of Surah Al-Hujurat

Abstract

While social media has positive effects, it also carries negative consequences. One of the greatest harms of social media often described as freedom of the media is that Westernization and non-Muslim cultural practices are increasingly spreading in our country. The appearance, dress, lifestyle, behavior, accent, style, and overall mannerisms of the younger generation are gradually changing.Hostile elements against Islam are not targeting the youth through weapons and military force; rather, they are influencing and morally destroying them through media. This is because media possesses the power to reshape and even distort realities. It is deeply unfortunate that the programs broadcast today may inspire our youth to become pop singers, but they do not prepare them to become responsible guarantors of Pakistan’s future.Every day on social media, we witness numerous cases in which the government takes action against criminals due to news reports published in the media. Similarly, if an innocent person is arrested and the media highlights their innocence through reports or articles, the government may feel compelled to release that person.The most widespread phenomenon on social media is the circulation of falsehood, which has no place in Islam, as lying is the root of all evil. False news is frequently shared without verification or investigation, leading to moral decline.

Keyword: Fake News, Negative Effects, Prevention, Qur’anic Teachings, Islamic Solution to Fake News, Analysis and Research