Is It Permissible To Use Google, Youtube?

[ummtaalib]

Question

 

Can we use Google and Youtube now?

 

Answer

 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

 

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

 

Google is a search engine that indexes web pages so that the user can search for and seek the information they desire through the use of keywords. YouTube is a video sharing website on which users can upload, view and share videos. The use of these websites is similar to the use of a car; they can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on what one uses them for.

 

If a person navigates and goes to impermissible places (websites) and views impermissible and illicit material (pornography, music, movies, interaction with the opposite gender etc.) then using websites such as Google and YouTube will be impermissible. However if a person uses these websites for beneficial and educational purposes; to listen to Quran, read literature, listen to speeches etc. then using these websites will be permissible.

 

If one fears that one will not be able to refrain from browsing impermissible content and material; even if the purpose of using the internet is permissible; he should refrain from browsing the internet altogether.

 

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

 

Saanwal ibn Muhammad,

Student Darul Iftaa
UK

 

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb

http://www.askimam.org/public/question_detail/24513