YouTube Earnings Declared Haram by Prominent Saudi Scholar

On July 19, 2023, a significant religious declaration emerged from Saudi Arabia as Imam Asim al-Hakim, the revered religious figure and leader of Jeddah Mosque, proclaimed the earnings generated from YouTube as haram.

The declaration was made in response to a question posed on Twitter by a user named Abdul Maqtadir, seeking clarification on whether earning from YouTube is considered halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden) in Islamic teachings. In his reply, Asim al-Hakim unequivocally stated that such earnings fall under the category of haram, indicating that they are not in compliance with Islamic principles.

However, the scholar did not elaborate further on the specific reasons behind categorizing YouTube earnings as forbidden in his response. To gain more insight into his stance, curious individuals can refer to a statement he made on his own YouTube channel four years ago, which still remains accessible. In that video, he addressed the rising trend of individuals pursuing careers as YouTubers, noting the significant influence this occupation has gained among young people in contemporary society.

The pronouncement by Imam Asim al-Hakim has sparked discussions and debates within the online community, given the widespread use of YouTube as a platform for content creation, entertainment, and even income generation for many individuals worldwide. As the news spreads, it is likely to attract attention from individuals seeking to adhere to Islamic guidelines in their financial pursuits.

The stance taken by influential religious figures can have a profound impact on their followers’ actions and choices, especially when it pertains to matters of religious importance. As such, it is anticipated that Imam Asim al-Hakim’s declaration may prompt some YouTube content creators and users to reassess their activities on the platform in light of their faith.

For those who rely on YouTube as a source of income or entertainment, understanding and abiding by the religious interpretations offered by prominent scholars like Imam Asim al-Hakim are paramount. As discussions continue, the subject of YouTube earnings in the context of Islamic teachings is likely to remain a topic of interest and scrutiny for both the online community and the broader audience of the Muslim world. It should be noted that Asim al-Hakim leads the Friday prayers at Jeddah Mosque and has appeared as a host and guest on several TV programs. Additionally, he has delivered lectures at various universities in Asia and Europe.

Here is what he said:

From an Islamic perspective, earning from YouTube is not inherently forbidden, but it depends on the content that the YouTuber uploads. If a YouTuber uploads haram content (such as music, women, indecent conversations, obscenity, and immorality), then the income derived from it would be considered haram.