Before we enter a forum, we should think “ISLAM”, we should think “IMAN”, we should think about these issues and know that nothing brings us here except that we wish to either bring victory to Islam, Increase our faith, or both.
The moment you enter a forum, you are a representative of Islam. Your threads, posts, and words are read by tens, hundreds, and thousands of people.
This concludes us to say that members must remain in the best behavior at all times (Allah is watching at all times), if this is not possible then one must at least opt to silence. This way, you don’t harm a member nor will you be harmed Inshaa Allah.
Thirdly: Taking advantage of your time. Let the forum be a place you can learn in or help others learn. Post beneficial threads in the appropriate sections and read the ones that can better help in your pursuit of knowledge. Never let the members be your goal or the reputation points but let the goal end with the pleasure of Allah. Keep in mind that Allah might bless the 5 memebers/guests that view your post and He might allow them to benefit from it while he deprives others members who get 1000 views. The objective lies in posting and spreading the knowledge and not how many people read it. Post what you have and don’t look back; just picture your reward in paradise. Forums are by no chance a place of popularity and should not be either. We, as Muslims, worry that Allah hastens our reward in this world and forbids us from having it in the hereafter. Whenever in doubt, remember Allah.
Fifthly: Find your role in a forum and stick to it. Every member should find his/her role in the forum they regularly or occasionaly visit. If a member comes to learn then let him/her commit to learning and stay away from all distractions, which means if you see a thread that shows no importance to your agenda then don't open the thread at all. The one posting about subjects of knowledge should not involve him/herself in pointless debates and arguements, which ruins the primary motivation to continue posting. The one who is quick to find good websites/audio/video should be sharing their files and documents with people. If another person is good at advising then he/she should take notice and advise the admins/members/guest and so one especially the ones that look for it. Basically, everyone should reside in their roles in a forum atmosphere rather than bounce around from one to another. I say this because the shaytan comes between a man and his heart and convinces him/her that he/she is being mistreated, misunderstood, or generally an ineffective contributor. You must Ignore these thoughts and remember your purpose and remember your role. If everyone contributes a little to their role the we have a great and strong team of Muslims!
Sixthly: Finished from the forum? Once you have finished browsing the net for information, checking your emails, and talking to your friends online then it's time to turn off your pc. Try to get back to "real" life and remembering Allah. The computer is only a mean to gain reward and not a goal. It is a way just like other great ways to fulfill diffferent aspects of Islam but honoring parents, keeping ties of kinship, supporting one’s wife, memorizing Quran, helping friends, etc. are usually acts that must be fulfilled from the outskirts of the computer's boundary. It is always best to manage your time and make a list of priorities.
Most importantly: Duaa! Supplication!
I'm a new member and I just read this. I have a question about the following:
. That was for you IB staff! ;D