Dating apps forbidden if there are elements of slander, immorality
"If you already have a wife, husband and children, what is the point of being on such applications?"
SHAH ALAM - The use of dating applications by married couples that leads to immoral acts, slander, deception and breaking of one's own or others' marriages is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Islamic studies faculty's industry and community networking deputy dean, associate professor Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim, said that some of these applications were not shariah-compliant and could lead to the collapse of the family institution.
He said a husband seeking a partner through an application could be permissible if the existing wife gave consent due to certain factors, such as no longer being able to fulfill the husband's needs.
However, he said, it must be done correctly and ensure that there were no elements of immorality, slander or deception.
"Everyone needs to be cautious with these applications. If you already have a wife, husband and children, what is the point of being on such applications?
"If the application does not lead to immorality, adultery, and deceit, then the application is permissible and allowed because individuals, especially men, involved with the application aim to find a future wife who can care for him and his family. Therefore, the action is allowed.
"The problem is if it is used to deceive other women, then the act becomes haram because it involves elements of immorality," he said.
Independent preacher Haslin Baharin added that the proliferation of dating applications makes such behaviour difficult to control, with most of these platforms not complying with shariah law.
He further stated that online dating platforms need to set specific conditions, especially for married couples, to prevent the breakdown of family institutions.
"If possible, there should be specific monitoring of these applications. There must be terms and conditions, for example, specifically for those who are not married or those who no longer have a partner only, so that it does not affect relationships," he said.
