Q: Is it permissible to make a marriage public via social media?
For example, since a marriage must be made public, can I post a photo of my spouse and me together on Instagram since I will then have more than two witnesses? Does that meet the condition of making marriage public, which the Prophet insisted upon?
A: Photos are a curse. Nabi (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.
This type of witnesses that you are talking about is not recognised. Witnesses must be physically present at the time and place of the nikaah.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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