Social media makes preaching, learning in Islam easier – FCE Iwo Provost, Adebayo

The pioneer Provost of Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State, Professor Rafiu Ibrahim Adebayo, has said social media made preaching and learning in Islam easier than in the past.

He said this while delivering the 31st Ramadan lecture organised by the University of Ibadan Muslim Community, UIMC, on Saturday titled “Islam, the social media and the ‘transvaluation’ of traditional values among the youths”.

The event was attended by former Lagos State commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf; Deputy President 1, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti; Chief Imam, University of Ibadan, Professor Abdulrahman Oloyede; and Chairman of the UIMC Governing Board, Professor Musiliu Onilude, among others.

Adebayo said social media had reduced the stress of geographical distance in preaching and learning in Islam.

Adebayo, who maintained that modern information and communication technology has ushered in the easiest means to propagate Islam without stress, added that Muslim clerics and preachers nowadays can sit conveniently in their rooms and disseminate Islamic messages to millions of people through the use of social media.

“The era of modern information and communication technology has ushered in the easiest means of da’wah outreach without stress. Muslim preachers can sit conveniently in their rooms and disseminate Islamic messages to millions of people at the global level. One cannot imagine any other convenient way through which da’wah can be carried to the doorstep of people than through the use of social media and other information and technological devices.

“Going by the statistics of millions of people using social media, a Muslim preacher can take his sermon out of his mosque and locality to reach the whole world. One also imagines the great reward that would be accrued to reaching millions of people with useful knowledge about their religion. Conversely, giving wrong

“Social media has therefore assisted in reducing the stress of geographical distance. while the messages reach those who want them and those who do not want them. Therefore, preaching the great education of Islam is made easier and faster in the age of digital information technology. In addition to the above, social media can be used to practice some Islamic virtues and etiquette.

“One point that quickly comes to mind on this is the high rate at which social media is being used to request financial assistance to rescue Muslims who are on sick beds or afflicted with certain ailments or calamities. On such an occasion. Funds were raised using social media.

“In the same vein, some Muslim organizations that have humanitarian services as their agenda use social media to solicit contributions to carry out their humanitarian services. Through the medium, some masjids have received assistance, while some organisations are using the medium to collect and disburse zakat. Also, the medium is used to call the attention of the public to certain circumstances or occurrences so that those who are unaware may not fall into such unwarranted situations. Some scammers’ pictures have been displayed with their scamming phone numbers so that people do not fall prey to such,” he said.

Adebayo, however, highlighted some of the problems associated with the usage of social media.

“Students’ addiction to social media is increasing every day and this has been proven to be affecting their academic performance. Many of them lost concentration in classes, pinging, 2going, Facebooking and chatting while the teachers were busy teaching. Many of them watched online films and games while the class was on.

“They engaged themselves in non-constructive, unethical, deceitful texting and speaking with pals at the expense of their studies. Precious time that could have been used for their studies is therefore used for meeting new friends online and discussing trivial issues. One of the consequences of the interaction of students with social media is their use of language,” he said.

Adebayo concluded by advising parents to have a close watch of their children when using the social media platforms.

“As parents, we need to have a close watch and critical study of our children and the moment we suspect sudden unexpected changes in their behaviours and characters, quick actions should be taken to avert aggravation of anti-Islamic behaviours in them,” he added.