al-Bluetooth
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- al-Bluetooth
al-Bluetooth (al-Būlūtūth) is a treatise by Adel al-Abd al-Jabbar, completed in 1426 AH (2006 CE), that examines the social, moral, and religious implications of Bluetooth technology and wireless mobile file-sharing in contemporary society .
Background and Composition
The author compiled the work over six months of research into the emerging phenomenon of Bluetooth technology alongside related digital mobile services, such as multimedia messaging (MMS), Jawal Net, and third-generation (3G) video calls . The book opens with an explanation of Bluetooth as a wireless data-exchange technology adopted by more than 1,000 international companies within the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) . It notes that the technology was named in honor of King Harald Bluetooth (d. 986 CE), the unifier of Denmark and Norway who introduced Christianity to northern Europe, reflecting the Scandinavian origins of founding telecommunications companies such as Nokia in Finland and Ericsson in Sweden .
The author clarifies that he does not oppose new communication technologies and has personally benefited from them, advocating for moderation in assessment rather than unconditional rejection or uncritical adoption, while emphasizing the necessity of self-discipline, respect for others, and God-fearing conduct in an opening technological environment .
Social Impact and Misuse
The treatise presents empirical and statistical findings regarding the social effects of mobile file-sharing, citing a study titled al-Būlūtūth wa-al-Fatayāt ("Bluetooth and Girls") conducted on 1,200 women aged 18 to 25 . According to the reported data:
- 82% used Bluetooth continuously, with 44% using it in public markets and 26% keeping it constantly active, while 85% regarded it as a safe means of acquaintance in conservative family settings .
- 77% utilized it in Mecca within the Mas'a, expansion areas, and surrounding markets, and 93% reported neither sending nor receiving religious outreach files .
The book warns against the unethical exploitation of the medium, documenting the proliferation of online forums and search results dedicated to illicit camera recordings, wedding video leaks, public scandals, and car drifting (tafḥīṭ) clips . In this context, the author expresses appreciation for the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology for blocking scandal websites . The text also includes real-life letters sent to the author by individuals harmed by privacy violations and marital distress resulting from illicit file hoarding .
Positive and Outreach Applications
In a dedicated section titled al-Būlūtūth al-Daʿwī ("Da'wah Bluetooth"), the work highlights constructive uses of wireless file-sharing for Islamic outreach and moral reform . It recounts instances of individuals who abandoned reckless driving or returned to prayer and religious practice after receiving Quranic audio recitations by the reciter Ahmad al-Ajmi or inspirational video clips such as Qawāfil al-ʿĀʾidīn ("Caravans of the Returnees") and Ghārāt al-Ḥūr . The book concludes with a note dated 28 Dhu al-Hijjah 1426 AH inviting readers to communicate further ideas via email .
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