Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question: Is it okay to have a YouTube channel if you are a Muslim and you cover properly? Are Muslims allowed to be on television?
Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
I pray you are well.
It would be permissible to have a YouTube channel you make videos for, if:
a. you are covered properly, and
b. the content you are producing is clean – meaning it has no impermissible elements to it, and it does not promote what is clearly impermissible.
If there is anything impermissible on the channel then think of it as getting a fresh sin with every view. It’s simply not worth it.
Benefitting Others
Although this won’t affect the permissibility directly, it should be a major factor in your decision. If there is a particular benefit you can provide for people, religious or otherwise, then the channel may be a good idea, and, with a proper intention, rewarding.
The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give peace, said, “Whoever is able to benefit his brother, let him do so.” (Muslim) Good deeds that benefit oneself and others are better than good deeds which only benefit yourself.
If the content is just the owner’s views on Brexit, chocolate, and fashion, then it’s probably better to direct oneself which will be more beneficial. The ruling would be the same for TV too.
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani