USING PICS TO ISLAMIZE NETWORK ACCESS

Abstract of a paper for the ISNA conference on

Muslims and the Information Superhighway

by Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D.

Minaret of Freedom Institute

4323 Rosedale Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

The PICS system provides promise of dealing with two important issues regarding efficient and halâl use of the internet by Muslims. I outline how PICS can be used by Muslims to protect their children from undesirable material on the internet and how it can also be used by Muslim computer users to take advantage of authentication of the Islamicity of posted materials by Islamic organizations of their choice. Properly implemented, PICS can guarantee effective filtering by scholarly and religious sources respected by the user. Muslims will have full advantage of scholarly classification with no loss of their independent judgment and responsibility. This will eliminate any risks of sectarian or government censorship.

NECESSARY ELEMENTS IN AN ISLAMIC CALENDAR WEBSITE

Abstract of a paper for the ISNA conference on

Muslims and the Information Superhighway

by Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D.

Minaret of Freedom Institute

4323 Rosedale Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

A central clearing location for information on moon sighting and Islamic dates has long been sought by Muslim Americans. Attempts to use centralized phone numbers and internet conferences have been failures. Any hope for a website that will alleviate the problems which have confronted the community will require that the reasons for past failures be addressed in the website design. We detail the reasons for the past failures and make specific design recommendations for future efforts. Astronomical, religio-juridical, political, and information science factors are all considered in the analysis.