Censorship: Yes, No, Maybe, I Don't Know

Salaam 'Alaikum Wr Wb.

Alhamdulillah we are all now in the final stretch of Ramadan. I sincerely hope that everyone has optimised the days with ibadahs and good deeds.

It heartens me to see and hear many brothers and sisters who have reaped the most out of the previous 22 days. Lail-Al Qadr. That sought-after night. InsyaAllah those who deserve it will gain the benefits. I am envious of these people (I am personally confident that I am not one of them - sometimes I wish that I could be just like them) but at the same time, I am happy for them. I should emulate these people, their spirit, their strengths, their sincerity. I have alot to learn.

On the other hand, I am obsessed with too much of this-wordly matter such that I have lost touch from my religion. Prayers yes, fast yes, but anything beyond that, it seems almost impossible to do so. Mid-terms just around the corner, Hari Raya preparations (I have to help my parents out) and voluntary work, the list seems never ending. Oh well, I'm still learning how to juggle both. Please be patient with me. I am trying my best to multi-task, to be versatile. But it takes practice and of course, time.

I'm beginning to feel scared now ... Haiz. Astaghafirullahal'azhim. What am I doing to my life? =(

Next, the issue of freedom of speech within the Islamic context. To what extent should a Muslim limit him-/herself when conducting on a public online domain? Should there be any form of censorship imposed when it comes to inappropriate graphics/words/expressions such as vulgarities, slander, etc? Should a person be excused from such censorship just to proof his/her point? If there are other more subtle, less controversial alternatives (which I strongly believe, are often present) should we still be persistent in using the inappropriate? I am not trying to arrow anyone. I am just curious. I am keen to find out what everyone feels.

How should a Muslim conduct him or herself online? Should it be any different from the way a Christian/Jewish/Hindu, etc. conducts?

And is there any difference between the way a typical Muslim conduct from the way a Muslim undergraduate/graduate should? Just because the latter is often encouraged to pursue in intellectual discourses (so as not to be left behind), critical thinking, etc, that doesn't mean that we are any different from any Muslims in the population. Any limitation imposed by Islam is applicable to all.

Just because there is freedom of speech on the Internet, should we use this as an excuse to slander/hurl vulgarities, etc? After all, Islam forbids us to do so. So why are we still persistent?

Your views are very much appreciated. My stand is still, as stated above. Censorship is the way to go. I can never please everyone. But I am trying my best to please most of us.

Ultimately it all boils down to our intention. If it's for the benefit of netizens, it's okay. But then again, what you feel is beneficial, might not be beneficial for someone else. Your intention might have been good, but it is inevitable for us humans to misinterpret the true meaning. Shrugs.

Oh well, it is kind of confusing. It's hard for a person to discern what should be censored and what should not. Like what I've said earlier, I can't please everyone. Unfortunately.

With regards to the discussion above, I beg to differ. I want to know from readers of this blog,

As a Muslim, what do you feel should be censored? What should not? And by censoring, are we being 'backward' in our thinking?

I am not the most perfect of human beings (like duhhh). As such, I wish to learn from everyone. Feel free to comment. Your views are very much appreciated. Wassalaam. =)