Q: I want to build a professional Instagram profile for networking, career growth, and attracting business clients. To build this image, my pictures will naturally show my lifestyle, including how I dress and the nice places I visit. I previously avoided this out of fear of Riya (showing off) and Nazar (the evil eye). If my intention is purely professional and not to boast, is it permissible to share these lifestyle photos? How do I draw the line between presenting a good image and showing off?
A: Apart from riya, the worst thing is that you will be posting your own picture. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has sounded severe warnings regarding pictures of animate objects. 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.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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