Is Facebook Stock Halal? Your Ultimate Checklist

In the world of investing, the question “Is it Halal?” is a critical one for millions of Muslim investors worldwide. It’s not just about the potential for profit; it’s about ensuring that their investments align with their faith. But how do you determine if a stock like Facebook, one of the biggest tech giants in the world, is Halal or not?

Did you know that as of 2023, Facebook boasts a staggering 3.2 billion active users per month? That’s nearly half the world’s population! With such a vast user base and its ever-growing influence on our daily lives, it’s no wonder that Facebook is a tempting prospect for investors. But for those adhering to Islamic principles, the question remains: Is facebook stock halal?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It involves delving into the company’s financials, understanding its business model, and scrutinizing its activities in light of Islamic finance principles. It may seem like a daunting task, especially for those new to investing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Keynote: Is Facebook Stock Halal?

Facebook stocks are considered Haram because the platform displays Haram ads and generates revenue from activities that may conflict with Islamic principles. These activities can include promoting prohibited products or services, such as alcohol, gambling, or interest-based financial services. Additionally, certain controversies surrounding user privacy and data handling practices have raised concerns among some investors from an ethical standpoint. It is important to conduct thorough research and seek guidance from knowledgeable individuals before making any investment decisions.

Evaluating Facebook as a Halal Investment

Facebook’s Business Model and Revenue Sources

Facebook, Inc. operates as a social networking company worldwide. The company engages in the development of products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality headsets, and in-home devices. It operates through two segments, Family of Apps (FoA) and Reality Labs (RL). The FoA segment includes Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and other services. The RL segment includes augmented and virtual reality related consumer hardware, software, and content.

The company’s primary revenue source is advertising, which may raise some concerns from an Islamic perspective if the advertisements promote Haram activities such as alcohol, gambling, or non-halal food products. However, it’s important to note that Facebook itself does not engage in these activities but provides a platform for others to advertise their products or services.

Examination of Facebook’s Financial Statements

Based on the data from MarketWatch, Facebook’s total debt for the year 2022 is $12.14 billion. The market capitalization as of May 20, 2023, is $1.07 trillion. Therefore, the debt-to-market-cap ratio is approximately 1.13%.

In Islamic finance, a company’s debt should not exceed 30% of its market capitalization. Therefore, with a debt-to-market-cap ratio of 1.13%, Facebook falls well within the acceptable range for halal investments.

Discussion of Ethical Considerations

Facebook’s social impact is vast and complex. On one hand, it provides a platform for people to connect, share ideas, and build communities. It has also been instrumental in aiding social movements and providing a space for small businesses to thrive.

On the other hand, Facebook has faced criticism for its handling of user data and privacy, its role in spreading misinformation, and its potential impact on mental health. These issues may raise ethical concerns from an Islamic perspective, which emphasizes truthfulness, privacy, and the overall well-being of society.

Sharia-compliant Certifications and Audits

To be certified as Sharia-compliant, a company must undergo a rigorous audit by a recognized Islamic finance authority or a group of qualified Islamic scholars. This audit involves a thorough examination of the company’s business activities, financial statements, contracts, and other relevant documents.

The auditors assess whether the company’s operations align with Islamic principles, which prohibit activities such as earning interest (riba), gambling (maysir), and investing in Haram products or services. They also evaluate the company’s financial ratios, such as the debt-to-market-cap ratio, to ensure they fall within acceptable limits.

Once the audit is complete, the auditors issue a certification if the company meets all the necessary criteria. This certification provides assurance to Muslim investors that the company’s operations and financial practices comply with Islamic law.

As of the time of writing, there is no publicly available information indicating that Facebook, Inc. has undergone a Sharia audit or received a Sharia-compliant certification. It’s important for potential investors to note that the absence of a certification does not necessarily mean a company is not Sharia-compliant. It may simply mean that the company has not sought certification.

Opinions of Islamic Scholars

The opinions of Islamic scholars on specific stocks, including Facebook, can vary based on their interpretation of Islamic principles and their assessment of the company’s business practices and financials. It’s important to note that while some scholars may deem a stock as Halal, others may have reservations or deem it Haram.

For instance, some scholars might view Facebook as Halal due to its low debt-to-market-cap ratio and the nature of its primary business activities, which do not directly involve Haram elements such as alcohol, pork, or gambling.

On the other hand, some scholars might have reservations due to ethical considerations, such as concerns over user privacy and the spread of misinformation. They might argue that these issues conflict with Islamic principles of truthfulness, trustworthiness, and harm prevention.

Alternative Halal Investments

Halal Investment OptionsExpected ReturnRisk (Standard Deviation)Sharpe Ratio
Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL)	6.77%	15.78%	0.43
SP Funds S&P 500 Sharia Industry Exclusions ETF (SPUS)	6.77%	15.78%	0.43
iShares MSCI USA Islamic ETF (ISUS)	6.77%	15.78%	0.43
iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI)	6.11%	15.78%	0.37
iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA)	6.07%	15.78%	0.36

Final Thoughts

In the rapidly evolving world of finance, the intersection of technology and Islamic principles presents both challenges and opportunities. Now it seems that Facebook stock is Haram as it promotes haram activities via ads.

However, the conversation doesn’t end here. As conscious investors, it’s crucial to continually reassess our portfolio’s compliance with our values and beliefs. The world of finance is not static, and neither are the companies within it. Facebook, like any other company, evolves over time, and so too should our understanding and evaluation of it.

In the end, the decision to invest in Facebook or any other stock should not be based solely on potential financial returns, but also on the alignment of the investment with one’s personal beliefs and ethical standards. This is the essence of Halal investing – a practice that goes beyond mere compliance, and into the realm of conscious, value-based decision making.

As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of Halal investing, let’s remember the words of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “The lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear, and between that are matters that are doubtful.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). In the face of doubt, seeking knowledge and guidance is our most powerful tool.

Facebook Stock Is Halal or Haram (FAQs)