After TV and phone, Internet is fast becoming popular. Even in the old city, there are many Internet cafes. Because of this, especially among the youth, immorality is increasing. What I have to ask is, is it allowed to make Internet café as a means of livelihood? Is the money earned through it Halal?

Answer:

The ruling about anything depends on its usage. If it is used for unlawful and Haraam things, then it is Haraam and if it is used for allowed things, then using it is allowed. Internet is an advanced means of communication. There are many advantages of it. Speaking to and from any part of the world, messaging, international business and the contacts between banks and commercial centers is possible only because of the Internet. Apart from this, using the Internet, a person can sit in his own place and go through the libraries of the whole world. There are many such educational, economic and many other advantages of the Internet and it has become a universal necessity. Thus, starting and running Internet cafes is in itself permissible and allowed. However, it is the moral responsibility of those who run the Internet café to stop their clients from misusing Internet. They should stay away from helping people is sin. It is the command of Allah SWT: Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancor: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment. Surah Maida (5:2)