Getting to know Islam via Facebook

RAMADHAN is a time where Muslims take the opportunity to bring themselves closer to Allah SWT, and to also learn more about Islam. Though there are a bounty of Islamic books written in Malay widely available in bookshops all over the Sultanate, many of the younger generation prefer online sources for reference and understanding, especially with social networking sites like Youtube and Facebook.

With the advent of Ramadhan, many young people have been sharing Islamic videos, links and insights on Facebook.

During the first day of Ramadhan, many were sharing links to websites that contains the niat for fasting, with translations in both English and Malay to aid those that had forgotten or needed clarification.

Many Bruneians were actively sharing links to Islamic websites that carry the stories of the Prophets that will help people to better understand life as a Muslim.

Through an interview on Facebook, student Marina Muhammad says that she appreciates all the links that have been shared with her, and in turn shares them with her friends. "A lot of these websites have useful information on Islam. I know sometimes I am too shy to ask my parents, but when this information is shared through the Internet, especially through Facebook, it gives me reassurance. I know we can easily ask our teachers at school, but when you just want a quick answer to a question, it's easier to just google it, rather than listening to long explanations about simple things. Also, it is embarrassing because it makes you feel like you are not a good Muslim," said Marina. "I also like the online videos on Islam that my friends shared with me."

Marina also added that sharing such links have also sparked earnest discussions between her and her friends, which help them to become better Muslims, and bring themselves closer to Allah SWT.

Some of the more popular videos that have been shared are from The Deen Show, a popular Muslim show that is televised in Europe and the US. The show is produced in the US by a group of Muslims who wish to educate new Muslims and non-Muslims about the true meaning of Islam.

The show is televised in English, and educates through honest and simple discussions between the host, Eddie, and many prominent American Muslim converts and Imams. The show has been uploaded to Youtube, which makes it easily and widely accessible.

Also popular are recitations during prayers by the Imams at the holy mosque in the holy city of Mekah, with subtitled translations of the verses from the Al-Quran in English.

There are even groups on Facebook dedicated to sharing information on food that is not halal or permissible to Muslims.

Recently, a link shared by Facebook user warned Muslims in Malaysia of how the Malaysian Muslim Community Development Board withdrew the Halal certification from QBI Packaging Sdn Bhd, and thus the company could no longer print the Malaysian Halal food logo on its QBB Pure Ghee product, which also reached Bruneians. Such methods of sharing information online seem to reach more people rather than through conventional media such as newspapers or television.

Sharing through Facebook does not only reach and educate young Muslims who have fallen by the wayside, but also their non-Muslim friends.

When her friends started posting links and online videos on Islam, Mary Chiew started clicking on them out of curiosity, and is quickly gaining a better understanding about Islam and Ramadhan.

"I used to think that Hari Raya was the Muslim new year, but now I understand that it's the celebration month after fasting. Some of the videos I've seen are about the Ka'abah, and it's so beautiful to see so many people praying at the mosque in Mekah."

"As a non-muslim, sometimes I don't understand the holidays and the celebrations even though I live in a Muslim country. Through Facebook, I now feel that I know more and I can share my friends' Hari Raya celebration, just like they do when they visit me during Chinese New Year," said Chiew.

The Brunei Times