Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has voiced his disapproval of the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) recent fatwa declaring Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic.
Speaking on a private TV channel, he criticized the decision as “narrow-minded” and questioned the logic behind singling out VPNs.
“If VPNs are haram, then mobile phones should also fall into the same category,” he argued, pointing out that phones pose greater risks by providing unrestricted access to harmful content. He stressed that banning VPNs could set a concerning precedent while ignoring more pressing issues linked to technology.
The CII, chaired by Allama Dr. Raghib Naeemi, defended its position, stating that VPNs are predominantly used to bypass censorship and access inappropriate content, including blasphemous material and pornography. Speaking to a private news outlet, Dr. Naeemi said, “VPNs allow users to access immoral content online. The majority of VPN activity is unregistered, making users untraceable.”
Read more: CII Chairman Clarifies VPN Fatwa: Usage Deemed Un-Islamic
He called for VPN users to register their activity to ensure traceability and discourage misuse. According to Dr. Naeemi, the “positive use” of VPNs remains limited, reinforcing the council’s stance that their anonymity facilitates the spread of immoral material.
Maulana Tariq Jamil warned against the broader implications of such a decree, urging a more nuanced understanding of technology’s role in society. He noted that mobile phones are a far greater concern due to their accessibility and potential to harm individuals, a factor he believes outweighs the risks associated with VPNs.
While Maulana Tariq Jamil acknowledged being unaware of the specific council behind the fatwa, he disagreed with the decision, advocating for a balanced approach to regulating technology within Islamic principles.