Internet cafes

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Q: Internet cafes have spread everywhere. What is the ruling on investing in this business, given that it involves erroneous and forbidden acts clarified in the following cases:The first scenario: The users rent the PC by the hour and connect to the Internet. We do not know what they are going to browse on the net. There are so many useful and harmful programs and sites. Some sites can be blocked by the King `Abdul `Aziz City for Science and Technology. (Part No. 26; Page No. 285) However, some users can unblock theses banned sites.Note: We cannot control a program except by canceling the service.The second scenario: There is what is called the Microsoft Chat program that is used for chatting and mailing. Users hold conversations and discussions on useful and scientific matters. Others may be bad users who use vulgar and indecent words. They may send and receive pornographic movies and pictures. It is possible to control sending and receiving of images and movies, but some users manage to break this restriction using devious techniques.

A: If these machines give users access to forbidden and indecent materials that contradict Islamic teachings or give access to pornographic images, depraved movies, immoral news, suspicious conversations, or forbidden games, and the owner of the internet cafe cannot prevent such Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) or have control over these devices, then investing in internet cafes is Haram (prohibited). This involves cooperating in sin and transgression. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. (Part No. 26; Page No. 286) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions.