Profile Pictures On WhatsApp
QUESTION:
Assalamualaykum
On whatsapp, which is an instant messaging service for smartphones, people can post a profile for themselves. Many people post a photograph of themselves, other people or other animate objects.
Is this permissible? Please explain.
ANSWER:
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
‘Taking-out’ pictures and having photographs of oneself and others, and having pictures of animate objects displayed in this manner, is not permissible.
All these fall under the general prohibition which the Shariah has mentioned regarding photography and pictures of animate objects.
And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan
21/5/2014.