What is the Sharia ruling on leasing central internet service for a monthly fee, given the presence of pornographic websites on it?
The internet is a technology with benefits and harms. Muslims must utilize its benefits and be wary of its harms. Whoever owns a central internet connection must be an aid to their Muslim brethren in righteousness and piety, and not an aid to them in sin and aggression, and they should love for them what they love for themselves. It is forbidden to provide internet access to anyone about whom it is certain or highly probable that they will use it for illicit purposes, as a measure to block the means (to sin). However, if neither of the two probabilities (licit or illicit use) is highly probable, then the apparent ruling is prohibition; because most users are exposed to not adhering to the sharia's regulations. If the internet owner can control it and block corrupt websites, then they must do so. Otherwise, it is not permissible for them to provide the service unless they know with certainty or strong probability that the recipient will not use it for evil.
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