Is it permissible to accept Instagram follow requests from men who post pictures of themselves, or from women who post pictures of their hands or pictures of non-mahram men?
Social media can be beneficial, but it can also be a cause of tribulation and corruption. One must be cautious about accepting a friend request from a non- man, lest it become an entryway for Satan to ensnare a Muslim man or woman in his traps, as Allah Almighty has warned: "Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze" and "And do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy."
Similarly, one should not accept a friend request from an unknown woman who might tempt one towards evil. Furthermore, some men use female names to deceive women, and what is required is to safeguard one's religion and honor.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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