Religious Scholars in Karachi Issue Fatwa Against TikTok, Call for Ban

Karachi: The religious scholars at Jamia Binori Town in Karachi have issued a fatwa denouncing the popular video-sharing platform TikTok and are calling for a complete ban on its usage.

The fatwa, a religious edict, claims that TikTok is being exploited for financial gain through the dissemination of inappropriate content. Scholars argue that the platform is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for illicit activities, including the sharing of prohibited images, videos, and music, as well as the propagation of indecent content and inappropriate humor.

According to the fatwa, the use of TikTok is explicitly forbidden and impermissible from a religious standpoint. The scholars emphasize their concern that individuals, both young and elderly, are engaging in activities to earn money through the platform, some of which may not align with strong moral values.

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“It is our duty to guide the community towards righteous paths, and TikTok, in its current form, promotes activities that are contrary to our religious and moral principles,” stated a representative of Jamia Binori Town.

TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has gained immense popularity in Pakistan, with over 39 million downloads in 2022 alone, according to data from the mobile and digital analytics firm Sensor Tower.

This fatwa adds to the growing debate over the impact of social media platforms on cultural and religious values, sparking discussions on how technology should be regulated to align with the ethical and moral standards of diverse communities. Authorities are yet to respond to this call for a ban, leaving the fate of TikTok’s usage in the region uncertain.