Maulana Tariq Jamil VPN Fatwa: Renowned Pakistani religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has openly criticized the recent fatwa issued by the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) against using virtual private networks (VPNs). During an interview with a private news channel, Maulana Tariq Jamil termed the fatwa as a “wrong decision” and a “mental problem,” sparking a heated debate on the issue.
The Fatwa and Its Implications
The Council of Islamic Ideology declared the use of VPNs as un-Islamic, stating that using VPNs to view “immoral or illegal content” is against Sharia and could lead to the “spread of evil.” The council commended the state’s ban on VPNs and supported these steps. This decision has led to restricted access to VPNs across Pakistan, with the federal government setting a deadline of November 30, 2024, for individuals and entities to register their VPNs to avoid restricted usage.
Maulana Tariq Jamil’s Criticism
Maulana Tariq Jamil questioned the logic behind the fatwa, arguing that if VPNs are considered un-Islamic, then mobile phones should also be prohibited because they can access a wide range of content without a VPN. “I don’t know which Sharai council has given the fatwa. By this logic, we should also prohibit mobile phones because there is so much to see without a VPN. In my opinion, this fatwa isn’t right,” he said. He further emphasized that the fatwa reflects a “mental problem” and is not a correct decision.
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Public Reaction and Debate
The scholar’s remarks have ignited a public debate on the issue, with many questioning the rationale behind the fatwa. Critics claim the fatwa is narrow-minded and ignores the broader implications of banning VPNs. They point out that mobile phones pose far more serious challenges due to their capacity to access harmful or inappropriate material, which could be more detrimental than VPN usage.
Conclusion
Maulana Tariq Jamil’s criticism of the fatwa against VPNs has brought attention to the complexities of regulating internet usage in Pakistan. He highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to address modern technology’s challenges while upholding religious principles. As the debate continues, we await how the government and religious authorities will respond to these concerns.
