Developing a social media app where people will post pictures

Q: I am a medical student who is also interested in web development, therefore I was thinking of developing a social media app similar to Facebook where people would be able to post photos. What I am concerned about is if people start to post immoral/obscene photos about which I am pretty sure they will on the website. Will I be sinning since I am providing a platform for such content??

A: Photography is strongly prohibited in the hadeeth. It becomes even more serious and worse when it involves lewdness ponography as well. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has sounded severe warnings regarding pictures. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The people to be inflicted with the worst punishment will be the picture makers.” Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has cursed the one who receives interest, the one who gives interest, the tattooist, the tattooed and the picture maker. The hadeeth also explains that the angels of mercy do not enter a home in which there is a picture of an animate object.

Hence, it will be advisable that you do not venture into such a project.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)