Fatwa ID: 08274
Written by Aalimah Saleha Bukhari Islam
Question:
If someone watches some Haram YouTube (it contains music or free mixing erc.) of non Muslim people I know it’s sinful. Sometimes they say something of their religion but they do not preach it. The main reason people watch these channels is as they bare challenges or games(which contains Haram). Is it kufr to watch them since they may get recommended to more people for the view and other people may hear their religion things?
Same with reels when someone watches them are they endorsing the person’s whole account?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Wa alaikum as salām wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh,
Watching content on platforms like YouTube that contains elements considered haram in Islam, such as music or inappropriate mixing of genders, is generally viewed as sinful by many Islamic scholars but does not constitute kufr (disbelief) unless it involves approving or promoting beliefs that explicitly contradict fundamental beliefs of Islam. The act of viewing such content does not necessarily mean you endorse the creator’s beliefs or entire account. However, it’s important for Muslims to be mindful of the content they feed on and its potential effects on themselves and others due to algorithms that increase visibility based on views. Muslims are advised to select content that aligns with Islamic values and to educate themselves and others about the impact of their online activities.
The Quran emphasises the importance of guarding one’s senses and always being mindful of one’s environment:
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart, about all those [one] will be questioned.” [1]
This verse emphasises the importance of being attentive about what we listen to, look at, and engage with, as we will be held accountable for how we use our senses.
Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.
Written by Aalimah Saleha Bukhari Islam
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References
[1] ﴿وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا﴾
[ الإسراء: 36]
