The act of some newlyweds placing a QR code linked to their bank account on guest tables for cash contributions during wedding receptions has sparked heated debate on social media. The traditional practice of giving cash personally, accompanied by greetings and smiles, may one day lose its charm. A wedding feast is meant to be an expression of gratitude, not an opportunity to seek financial returns and when that purpose changes, the spiritual value and blessings of the event are lost.

Source: Internet

 

Let us set aside the earlier issue about the newlyweds. Now, let’s look at the history of the transition from using the 1D barcode to the QR or Quick Response code.

The 1D barcode was introduced in the 1970s and became one of the major advancements in the fields of retail and logistics. It consists of a series of vertical black lines and spaces of varying widths. Each pattern represents numbers or letters that identify a product. When scanned with a laser, the barcode provides information such as the product code and price, helping to speed up payment and inventory control.

This system became widely used because it is simple and accurate. However, the 1D barcode has certain limitations. It can only store a small amount of data, usually around 25 characters, and must be scanned in a single direction. If the barcode is damaged, wrinkled, or partially covered, it becomes difficult or impossible to read.

To overcome these limitations, Masahiro Hara, a Japanese engineer, created the QR code in 1994 for the company Denso Wave. The concept was inspired by a traditional Japanese board game called Go, which features black and white stones arranged in patterns. The QR code is a two-dimensional version of the barcode that can store information both horizontally and vertically. This design allows the QR code to hold thousands of characters, far more than a 1D barcode.

It can contain text, website links, contact information, or payment data. The QR code is also designed with error correction, allowing it to be read even if part of the code is damaged or missing. Another advantage is that it can be easily scanned using a smartphone camera without the need for a special scanner.

 

Today, QR codes are used in various fields such as online payments, product tracking, event tickets, digital menus, and marketing. Meanwhile, traditional 1D barcodes are still widely used in supermarkets, warehouses, and product packaging because they are simple, inexpensive, and suitable for basic identification.

In conclusion, the 1D barcode represents the foundation of automatic identification systems, while the QR code is a modern version designed for a digital and interconnected world. Both play important roles in ensuring that information can be stored, shared, and accessed easily.

Although barcodes and QR codes are modern inventions, Islam strongly encourages its followers to seek knowledge and use it for good purposes. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him.” Meaning, any form of knowledge or creation that brings benefit to others, including technology that makes human tasks easier, is considered beneficial knowledge (Ê¿ilm yuntafaÊ¿ bihi) and earns continuous reward. The development from the barcode to the QR code reflects the progress of knowledge granted by Allah to humankind to ease daily life.

 

Reference:

1. Denso Wave Official Website. (2014). About QR Code. Link https://www.qrcode.com/en/
2. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj. Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Wasiyyah (Kitab Wasiat), Hadis No. 1631 / Hadis 4005.
3. Rostan, M. (2025). A comparative study on QR Code and bar Code detection techniques in modern systems. International Journal of Synergy in Engineering and Technology, 6(1), 14-22.

    Link: https://www.tatiuc.edu.my/ijset/index.php/ijset/article/view/247

Prepared by, 

Senior Lecturer
Gs. Dr. Ya'akob Mansor
e-mel : yaakobms@upm.edu.my

Date of Input: 06/11/2025 | Updated: 12/11/2025 | hasniah