Social Media and Privacy
359 questions
What is the ruling on accessing news that covers a scandal involving a specific individual, without disseminating it? And is this considered scrutinizing private matters if the reader seeks out the details himself on social media platforms?
Is it permissible to publish scientific achievements on social media to share them with others, despite the fear of falling into ostentation (riya') or the desire to impress, and recognizing the importance of announcing these achievements in this era?
Is it permissible for a woman to have non-mahram male relatives as friends on Facebook, and what are the limits of interaction with them, such as asking about their well-being and talking to them via Facebook?
What is the ruling on exaggerating one's love for a shaykh to the extent of imitating his dress and posting his pictures on social media, and where does such love stand in comparison to the love of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? And what are the guidelines for loving shaykhs?
What is the ruling on opening an account on Twitter and publishing writings on it for all to see, and is it permissible to author a book that includes personal thoughts which have no religious or scientific benefit, taking into consideration that the writing might reveal the author’s personality and be a cause of temptation for men?
What is the ruling on a woman following the Facebook pages of her male friends and keeping up with their news? Is this action haram or halal?
What is the ruling on announcing the names of those accused of theft or fraud on social media, and publishing their pictures with the intention of warning against them or searching for them?
Is it permissible for women to post pictures of themselves veiled (nothing showing but their eyes) on social media, and what is the ruling if that leads to fitnah?
Is it permissible to publish pictures of missing women (such as a daughter, wife, or sister) who are beautiful, abducted, or runaways, on social media out of necessity in order to find their whereabouts?
What is the ruling on changing one's status on social media sites like Facebook to "busy," "at work," or "going to school"?
What is the ruling on buying a hair wig to practice new cuts and styles on it, and is it permissible to photograph it and post its pictures on social media as part of one's work, knowing that it will not be placed on the head?
What should I do, as two men have proposed to me for marriage, and I do not desire either of them because my heart is attached to someone else, and I am confused about making a decision?
What is the ruling on mobile phone messages or emails that request dissemination with a supplication or advice, or promise good news upon dissemination, and is one who does not disseminate them sinful?
Is it permissible to use Facebook and restrict friendships to girls, knowing that their pictures may appear on the account without the account owner publishing their own private pictures?
What is the ruling on messages that include ذكر (remembrance of God) while obligating the recipient to resend them to others, claiming it is an "amanah (trust) on your neck until the Day of Judgment"?
What is the ruling on the bracelet I found in the outdoor area of the cafe, and no one has asked about it? Should I return it to the cafe owner, or what?
Is it permissible for an internet network administrator to spy on one of the subscribers' devices, after receiving news of his use of the internet in a way that displeases Allah, in order to verify the authenticity of this news before warning him and then expelling him from the network if he does not desist, knowing that the spying will be limited to what is absolutely necessary?
Is it permissible, in Sharia, for a Muslim girl to chat in writing with a man who is a stranger to her and provide him with personal information about herself with the intention of marriage?
What is the ruling regarding a girl returning to a young man whom she rejected due to his past, despite her fear that his repentance is not sincere or that he might lead her away from the religion, and despite her desire for his guidance?
What is the ruling on sending pictures of severe nakedness (ʿawrah mughallazhah) of a child or infant in social media groups for the purpose of entertainment, commentary, or comparison, and what is one's duty towards them?
Can the absence of social media during the time of the Prophet –peace and blessings be upon him– be considered an indication of its lack of goodness, by analogy with the saying of Umar ibn al-Khattab –may Allah be pleased with him– concerning the gold that came from Khosrow: "If there were any good in you, you would have come to us during the time of the Messenger of Allah; O دنیا, deceive someone other than me"?
What is the ruling on posting written advice, such as "You are trying, and Allah sees you, and that is enough," alongside Qur'anic verses, such as the words of the Almighty: {And rely upon the Exalted in Might, the Merciful, Who sees you when you stand} [Quran 26:217-218], on Qur'anic clips and sharing them on social media with the intention of gaining reward?
Is a person's pursuit of advancement in life and self-esteem, love of excellence at work, seeking to get close to and know people, and publishing permissible non-religious content on social media with the aim of gaining their admiration, considered a form of worldly showing-off (riya'), despite sincere worship of Allah Almighty?
Is it permissible for a veiled woman to post pictures of her clothes, jewelry, and favorite perfume on social media without showing herself?