I recently watched a scholar who broadened my perspective on the sin of lying. In the video, he say, “let me take a sip of water, my lips are dry,” and brought the water to his mouth. After taking two sips he continued with these words:  

“I said let me take one sip, but I took two, I wonder if that becomes a lie too. It is a sensitive issue because everything that comes out of the mouth is being recorded. We say ‘a sip’ as a figure of speech to imply that we will not drink much; but why speak in figures of speech when you can speak truth with clarity? Perhaps the correct form should have been to say ‘let me take one or two sips.’ That indicates a few sips.”¹  

This sensitivity over a sip of water should in fact be a subject of deep thought for all of us. If such sensitivity is needed for such a small action, how more careful should we be for more major things in our lives?

Starting from this matter of a sip of water, I reviewed our daily life and unfortunately realized how common these seemingly insignificant lies are in the virtual world. This virtual world is very colorful, attractive, and just as entertaining. It brings many things to our feet, lets us shop with one click, gives us access to far more than what people once learned through months of travel with a single touch in the blink of an eye, allows us to see and speak with our loved ones far away as if they were right beside us, and lets us complete our work from our homes. A long list of benefits stands before us. But together with this potential for good, who knows how many times each day we also use it for harm. Sadly, the virtual world has become a world of lies. It seems to have melted away our moral values and all the beauty we possess. If you want examples, the examples are so many that even mentioning a few here may make us all hold up the mirror to ourselves, do some reflection, and act more carefully from now on.

It is very clear that this is not only an individual problem but also a reflection of a global collapse of mindset. The following words of Noam Chomsky shed light on this very situation: “I don’t know what word in the English language – I can’t find one – that applies to people who are willing to sacrifice the literal existence of organized human life, not in the distant future, so they can put a few more dollars into highly overstuffed pockets. The word ‘evil’ doesn’t begin to approach it.”²

This statement expresses in a deep way the selfishness and indifference behind the recklessness of the digital world.

After all this, let us look together at some mistakes that many people make knowingly or unknowingly and search for solutions.

Deceptions in the virtual world

User agreements

When buying anything or installing an application or program, the user agreements that appear before us include many risks and lies for both those who provide them to us and those who say I have read and approve. These texts, consciously written in pages of tiny font, contain so many misleading pieces of information that we would not like, harming our privacy, full of verbiage and slippery expressions and word tricks, that it is impossible for many people to read them, understand them, or willingly accept them. Unfortunately, the number of users who actually read these texts is almost non-existent, but the number of those who approve them is very high, and perhaps none of us refrains from approving. In this situation, we may try to justify ourselves by saying “but I need to use this, I do not want to pay money, I have no choice but to accept”; this does not change the fact that we slip into lying by accepting texts with an “I have read” statement without reading them, nor does it change the fact that we are too lazy to learn our rights as users and too unwilling to demand that companies stop wrongful practices when necessary.

Likewise, the behavior of producers who, out of greed, violate the rights of users, manipulate default settings to their own advantage and to the detriment of consumers, and exploit people’s weaknesses and legal loopholes is also among the unacceptable actions.

Fake identities and digital courage

In the virtual realm, hiding behind fake identities to present oneself differently in order to seek a job or spouse, to pick fights and provoke people, to spit hatred toward individuals or groups of different beliefs, cultures, or statuses, and to shout from behind a screen like a warrior, things one cannot do or say face to face are among the most common painful scenes. There may be some objections on this matter. For example, those living under oppressive regimes or those who fear discrimination may be excused to some extent and may be exceptions, but even there, caution is needed and one must not depart from truth and justice.

Digital lies in work and livelihood

Another problematic area is the lies used due to livelihood needs, job searches, or sometimes out of greed. Using fake experience or information is the most striking example of this. Entering jobs that we do not deserve through different names, photos, experience claims, and the like is unfortunately an open wound and the first step toward unethical earnings, which is a very dangerous path. Using artificial intelligence in interviews or exams to cheat, having someone else take an exam in one’s place, or obtaining answers illegally are behaviors that are both morally and legally wrong and unfortunately increasingly widespread.

We also sadly witness situations where remote work possibilities are exploited. People working in developed countries for higher salaries hire individuals from countries with fewer opportunities and much lower wages to work in their place and pocket the difference without doing any work themselves, gaining unjust profit. In addition, in hourly paid work, failing to do one’s tasks and instead engaging in personal chores, or using provided resources for personal matters, are also mistakes seen at a significant rate.

As a general principle, both the employee and the employer must adhere to the initial agreement and respect each other’s rights. The employer must not prevent the employee from fulfilling obligatory religious duties, and if he does, one should not work in that job. However, the employee must also be very careful and must not forget that even optional worship cannot be performed at work without the employer’s permission. On the other hand, employers taking overly restrictive measures, such as constantly monitoring and recording the employee and violating privacy, or making them work longer hours than agreed, are also wrong.

Comment manipulations, bots, and fake crowds

Fake reviews written for products, thousands of automated likes, and praise or criticism campaigns carried out with fake accounts mislead social media users. Some companies employ people to write good reviews, delete negative ones, or give the product for free in exchange for fabricated praise. The presence of tens of thousands of comments on some products often reflects not genuine user interest but systematic manipulation.

Rage bait and the exploitation of human emotions

Rage bait, chosen as Oxford’s word of the year for 2025, shows how widespread the trend of gathering engagement through anger has become. These contents provoke people through extreme expressions, and as the argument grows, the content becomes more visible. Thus, the most sensitive points of society are turned into tools of conflict, hatred, and hostility, becoming mere engagement material.

Clickbait, deliberate mistakes, and price tricks

Clickbait titles mislead users with irrelevant content. Some accounts deliberately make spelling and punctuation mistakes to cause people to comment corrections. Hiding the price of a product and saying message for price is another common tactic used to increase engagement. Showing a large carpet in a photo but listing the price for the smallest doormat model, then showing the real numbers after someone clicks, is among the new forms of deception in digital spaces.

Troll networks and state supported digital manipulations

Troll networks working with thousands of fake accounts to spread certain ideas, silence opponents, and shape public perception are among the most dangerous elements of social media today. The fact that some of them are supported by powerful companies or authoritarian states exposes the global dimension of the issue. Societies are manipulated in this way, and grounds are laid for wars, conflicts, and isolation.

The vicious cycle fed by algorithms

It is also clearly seen that technology companies directly feed this unethical situation. Because these companies use algorithms that promote content by click value and push forward high engagement posts automatically. These algorithms rank content only by superficial metrics such as clicks, comments, and shares, without looking at what is true, false, harmful, or beneficial. As a result, content based on truth, calmness, and constructive dialogue becomes invisible, while provocative, conflict raising, anger inducing, or deceptive material is constantly pushed forward.

This system rewards wrongdoers, increases their visibility, and gives them material profit. Those who behave correctly remain in the background and become less visible. Consequently, people receive a subconscious message saying, “I earn more by doing wrong” and increase their unethical behaviors. Companies also feel no need to change the system because they profit from this increase through advertising revenue. In the end, the user, the producer, and the technology company become parts of a cycle that feeds one another.

As long as this cycle is not broken, social media will continue to be a mechanism that suppresses truth, magnifies lies, and accelerates moral collapse.

What can be done?

It is not enough to mention problems only. Both individual and social steps are needed to keep the digital world on a moral foundation. In summary:

Reporting harmful content: Provocative, hateful, manipulative, or deceptive content must be reported when encountered. As report numbers rise, the algorithm will push such content back.

Not giving engagement through comments or shares: Liking, commenting, or sharing makes a post more visible. Not engaging with wrong content is the most effective response.

Establishing a culture of blocking: Blocking accounts that cross moral boundaries protects personal peace and prevents their behavior from being rewarded.

Creating public pressure on technology companies: Societies must demand more transparent algorithms, clearer user policies, and privacy protecting settings. Feedback is effective. Symbols similar to those used in films may be used to warn users about the reliability of content or its elements, and problematic users may be banned from systems.

Encouraging legal regulations: Demands must be delivered to lawmakers and decision makers. Clearer laws and regulations should be introduced in digital ethics, data security, and combating manipulation.

Digital awareness and ethics education: Children, youth, and adults must be taught digital literacy, source checking, truth distinction, information verification, and digital ethics. This strengthens the social fabric.

The role of opinion leaders: Religious scholars, academics, artists, scientists, and public figures must raise awareness on this issue. Social change continues only with the contribution of broad groups.

Conclusion

The world is changing very rapidly. As a result, new problems emerge in societies, and there is an urgent need for appropriate solutions. For these solutions, it is essential for experts from fields such as law, theology, sociology, psychology, technology, etc. to come together quickly and produce practical and applicable solutions suited to the conditions of this era and the issues deeply affecting society. Otherwise, problems will become gangrenous and major wrongs will be normalized. Instead of artificial rating boosting fruitless debates that distract society, it is unavoidable for our valuable scholarly community to focus on these issues.

What falls upon us is not to depart from truth. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said “Always seek truth. Even if you see your destruction in truth, your salvation lies in it.” This is why the message he brought always upholds the truth, be it in the context of the employee and the employer relations, or whether it is a real or virtual world context.

At one time this blessed world bore little resemblance to the one we know today. Its colors, atmosphere, and people were steeped in a unique spiritual essence. With an unyielding determination to safeguard their identity, its inhabitants cherished the values inherited from the past, celebrated timeless traditions, and reveled in the rich tapestry of material-spiritual beauties that derived from this unique combination. The downtowns, markets, and streets were each just like the sacred space of a sanctuary, and places of worship were just like a projection of the Ka’ba. With the breadth of their feelings, thoughts, and hearts, people all over this world would encounter spirits of remarkable depth, refinement, kindness, and contentment, wherever they ventured. It felt as though their warm reception had washed over them, and they would forever whisper words of gratitude for the privilege of residing in such a welcoming country. The mercy of the heavens, the splendor of the angels, and the compassion of mothers could be heard in every sound and breath, and every district would emerge like a bay of trust. In this place, people would occasionally turn earnest when extolling the Truth, and at other moments, their heartfelt gratitude would erupt in joyful cheers, yet they always carried a smile in their thoughts and words. Wherever these cheerful faces journeyed, it seemed as though a delightful morning breeze was gently caressing the surroundings. Hearts burdened by life’s pressures and spirits weighed down by some momentary setbacks would find solace in this magical atmosphere akin to seeking refuge in the shade of heaven. They would cast off their worries and, as if they had taken a spiritual bath, they would emerge refreshed and serene.

Schools perpetually beamed with the radiance of knowledge and wisdom. Sanctuaries, each a sacred space of light and splendor, would illuminate their surroundings throughout the day just like a spiritual guide or teacher. They would gently share celestial words with those seeking refuge, gracing them with heavenly guidance. Pulpits would become upsurge stations of otherworldly wisdom and spread rays of their sacred enlightenment into hearts. Our houses would transform into the gateway to these schools, sanctuaries and pulpits, resound with spirit and meaning as they celebrated the gentle breezes and lights radiating from these places. Streets and roads, enriched by individuals embodying faith and enlightenment, resembled showcases of divine blessings from these schools and sanctuaries, as if they were transforming every location into a sacred space for both worship and learning.

People of that time refrained from disparaging themselves with lies, slander, or conspiracies. Even if occasionally the pitiful murmur of a few wretches – ignorant of human values and showing no respect for people or God – or the clamor of oppression were audible, the predominant disposition of the vast majority of society consistently remained distant to such lowly actions which could be attributed only to those of lesser character. Immorality was never so publicly displayed to embarrass the face of the nation. Evil found no prolonged opportunity to endure. Shamelessness absolutely could not spread, and even if the aptitude for sin and rebellion flexed its muscles, it did so secretly. Efforts in such a rebellious direction would not succeed. If they did, they couldn’t persist, they would perish shortly after birth, leaving behind an enduring sense of regret. People of that time often sought repentance regardless of whether or not they had sinned, and hurried to purify themselves under the fountains of sincere penitence. They constantly strengthened their determination through prayer and pleading, striving to draw nearer to God.

In that society, everyone regarded each other with trust, took great care to maintain trustworthiness, and no one felt unsafe from others. Even if on the rare occasion they were deceived, they never deceived others – it never even crossed their minds. They considered deceiving or cheating someone as the greatest disrespect to the reality of being human, and they protected their reputation as they did their honor. The voice and influence of brute force asserting “I said so” were seldom heard among them. In the event of sporadic capricious acts or transgressions, they would solve them without creating a commotion, they would give concessions enough to silence the one who was causing anarchy.

In contrast to places and times when might was right, rule of law was miserable and arbitrary, in this blessed society, law was essential, justice was predominant, people assisted one another, and power consistently rested in the hands of the “right.” Individuals of the society were like the limbs of one body. They were respectful towards one another and valued the importance and necessity of every individual. Sharing was second nature to them. Diverse ideas and opinions were seen as enriching, and they held a broad respect for different viewpoints. No one labeled another a bigot based on belief or disbelief. Apart from a few isolated instances, there was no fear of being assaulted or crushed upon. Their hearts were guided by commitment agreements, trust, compassion, and mercy. Lies were considered something a believer would never lower himself or herself for, and even the mentioning of the word “disloyal” was cause for embarrassment. Oppression and transgression were always met with reprehension, and killing was considered to be monstrous.

At that time, embezzlement, which is now a significant issue, was unheard of. Speculation was a word that could only be found in some foreign dictionaries. Appropriating things unlawfully was considered banditry. Getting involved in this kind of vice was a cause of shame not only for the perpetrator, but also for their family, tribe, and village or town where they lived. Their faithful sentiments and thoughts ran as profound as the marrow within their bones, constituting the essence and vitality of their being. Virtue was considered an indispensable high truth and living faithfully a necessity of being human. Everyone lived constantly with the ideas of “faith,” “knowledge,” and “wisdom” and frequently exuded love and reverence for God. No one transgressed the boundaries of others. In cases of accidental transgressions, they acted in accordance with the principles of believers, refraining from responding to a wrong with another wrong. If mistreated, they upheld their commitment without any anticipation of reciprocation. They would counter crude behavior with courtesy aiming to teach through example; thus, ensuring evil remained unidirectional, reducing by half the potential negative consequences that might have arisen.

During the last few centuries, as a society we have become, if not fully so, very remote from these high human values. Our collective thought and character have been marred by a succession of ruptures. The beliefs and thoughts we used to identify ourselves with have started to lose color, and some of us have even found ourselves in degradation. The smiling and pleasant faces of the past have been replaced with frowning, complaining, sullen faces, often darkening with hostility and hatred and reddening with rage. It seems as if the spirited, joyful, warm, welcoming, and refined individuals of our society have vanished, replaced by extremely rigid, rough, and fragile entities that resemble humans but whose essence and spirit have become charred. 

However, this situation hasn’t always applied universally. Alongside those experiencing internal decay, detachment, or identity denial, there were also many individuals whose characters had not degenerated, who remained pure and uncontaminated, tied to the roots of their spiritual essence. They eagerly anticipated a guiding light, a call to prayer, and a renewal of their faith with a sincere, contemporary voice. With a sense of temperateness that had exuded from their roots of spiritual essence, imbued with natural goodness, respect and forgiveness towards all, they patiently awaited an opportune moment to express themselves. Actually, for some time, these people occasionally congregated,  driven by the noble values of their heritage, to explore ways to foster societal harmony. Through these endeavors, they beckoned for God’s extra blessings, and, whether consciously or not, they steadily advanced towards a revival, as if they had heard the trumpet of Israfil. These pure spirits, which I will compare to the currents of fresh water in the salty seas, exuded an unwavering sincerity, profound resignation, and submission to God that mirrored His presence, and consistently evoked a captivating impact on people.

They were not just in harmony with people, but also with the heavens and earth and all of creation. They were at peace with everyone – they were friends to friendship and enemies to hostility and hatred. They were open to sharing and closed to things like self-interest. They walked towards the horizon of genuine humanity, eyes sparkling with hope and their hearts brimming with the excitement of love, all the while avoiding entanglement in the surrounding chaos. On the one hand, their beliefs in the next life and eternity were sincere, and on the other hand, in some respects, they were fully aware of the worldly affairs. They adeptly analyzed events, considering both this life and the next in their interpretations. They consistently aspired to align their lives with the vibrant hues and intricate patterns of their hearts, fueled by a determination akin to that of the prophets, as they journeyed towards eternity. In their eyes, pleasures and joy that come their way without their asking for them are nothing but rewards given in advance to the weak, and the praises they received were tokens of celestial hospitality extended as a courtesy by heaven.

Yet, these experiences were reserved for only a select few. For them to be fully adopted by a majority, at least accepted and lived to a certain extent, it is evident that people must possess a love for truth and exploring. They should analyze and synthesize, and engage in continuous brainstorming. Once these principles are put into action, minds will be enriched with knowledge, judgment will evolve into a wellspring of wisdom, and softened hearts will pulsate with love. Only then will the uniqueness of truly being human emerge with full clarity.

In this respect, it appears that attaining this level and reaching this horizon is as difficult as it is important. Who knows what hardships those who preceded us endured in order to reach the summits they marked with their flags. What abysses they encountered, what dreams they pursued amidst weariness, what efforts they made, what perspiration they shed, what trials they weathered, and what tormenting events they endured. How many times they faced death only to rise anew, and how many times they sighed in moments of helplessness?

Indeed, maintaining one’s true self is a formidable task; self-discovery and the pursuit of reaching the standards set for humanity are challenges that surpass the ordinary difficulties of life. Such a task requires faith before anything else, an effort to investigate, suffering, and love. It requires to take advantage of opportunities, especially when hopes of survival coexist with risks of annihilation.

To date many people have succeeded in this harder-than-hard task. These heroes and their achievements can be considered as points of reference for probable future successes. Now we find solace in dreams of an illuminated future, envisioning eras enlightened and woven by love, mercy, compassion, understanding, and respect for everyone’s position. At every daybreak we eagerly await the propitious moment when the cavalry of dawn will appear.

To be able to lead a virtuous life, especially one that is extremely careful about moral values and worship, it is important to develop a character of seriousness, dignity, prudence, and contentment; and we must ensure that we graft these traits onto our nature as a dimension of our personality. Though this sounds simple, it is not a very easy venture.

As an example of how to make these traits a dimension of our nature, we can quote the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who prescribes that one should self-train their character to this level: “This Qur’an has been revealed with sadness. Cry when you read it. If you are not able to cry, force yourself to” (Ibn Maja, Iqama, 176; Zuhd 19).

In other words, read the Qur’an with peace in your heart and tranquility in your soul. In view of this, you may need to take forced steps before gaining the traits mentioned above; and because of this you may face criticism from people who are not cognizant of the profundity of this matter. However, you should not get hung up on such things; for on this road you have set out to reach Him.

Let us consider some other examples on the attributes of virtue. I believe that avoiding vain talk comes at the fore of the principles of virtuous living. Speaking a lot may lead one to commit a lot of mistakes, which may lead to further undesired consequences. The Prophet would never speak without being asked a question, or unless he deemed it necessary to expound on a matter. Following in his footsteps, his Companions acted in the same way.

For example, it is told that Abu Bakr, the hero of faithfulness, would put a small stone in his mouth in order not to talk foolishly. When it was necessary for him to speak, he would take the stone out, speak, and then put it back again. Although I have never found this story in sound sources, I did not and would not find this to be strange. A man of such caliber like him might have done such a thing in order to discipline himself. Sound sources show that while at the Prophet’s side following the Emigration to Medina, Abu Bakr did not utter more than a few hundred words . This can be shown as proof of the earlier story.

If a person’s speech explains something related to the world of the heart, spirit, or mind, and if it enlightens others in regard to these, then it is beneficial. All other speech can be considered wasteful. How can a religion that forbids wasting water while making ablutions even on the banks of a stream consider it permissible to waste jewels like words, which are more important to a person than water?

Ascetics have adopted “scarcity of words,” “scarcity of food,” and “scarcity of sleep,” as vital life principles. In this case, we can easily see meaningless and trivial talk as objectionable. Similar to eating, drinking, and dressing, talking should also be economical; the number of words it takes to explain a theme or main idea should be approximated and spoken accordingly. Speech should be made so that absolutely no words are wasted – and consequently no time is wasted. Speaking by weighing and filtering every word is a moral task. Gaining this virtue and making it natural takes a lot of time and effort.

Asceticism—meaning abandoning worldly pleasures and resisting physical inclinations—is also morally very important. Asceticism has a very serious place for seekers of spiritual awareness, and it was pointed out by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as an important dynamic of the spiritual path long before it came to be considered part of the Sufi discipline. Adding to this Bediuzzaman’s approach to asceticism—”abandoning the world not physically, but in the heart,” as well as not glorifying the world and the things in it more than they deserve, having no worldly expectations, and being dignified enough to have no desire to leave behind a huge legacy—these become indispensable traits for every believer, especially those spirits who are committed to a higher cause.

At first, taking such an attitude against wealth, social status, fame, etc., in every aspect of your personality, can be very difficult. But by beginning with small things and working towards bigger things, this will become a part of our nature. It may start with thoughts like, “it is enough that I have one dress today; no need for a second one. Otherwise, I will want a third and then a fourth.” This is the prophetic practice of an ascetic life.

We can certainly make a longer list of virtues other than these two, like being earnest in matters of character, keeping one’s eyes pure from sinful looks, avoiding pride, etc. But these are a good place to start on the journey to virtue.

Practicing one’s faith, i.e. worship, is also a matter requiring constant exercise. It starts first by praying in due time without delay; and praying with love and enthusiasm on a level at which God opens doors of acceptance. We should not pray as if ridding ourselves of a heavy weight.

Of course, the full experience of prayer is not a summit that can be attained immediately. However, a person can make it feel natural by doing it over and over again. More accurately, he must do this. As a result, in spite of all the independent desires of the ego, a person should live so as to give his will its due. To do this, the traits that make a person human should become natural to them.