Most-asked question

Is earning money online (YouTube, apps, surveys) permissible?

40 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 4 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, Ask Imaam, Azaadville, Ibn Masood). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“In principle, it is permissible to earn money through YouTube if the content of the YouTube channel is Shariah compliant. If there is any un-Islamic content or adverts on the YouTube channel, that will not be permissible. It is also permissible to pay people for subscribing and increasing watch hours.”

Ask Imaam — Clarification – YouTube Query · 27 Dec 2020

“You have stated in your query that you intend monetising videos on You-tube which are of a permissible nature. We understand from this that you will probably upload a lecture of some Alim, or a Nazm of some reciter and charge a fee for your service.”

Ibn Masood — Monetising ‘You-Tube’ videos · 21 Sep 2022

“Earning wealth through this means is not permissible as it does not conform to the principles of shariah. In shariah, one can earn wealth through either a business transaction or an ijaarah contract or a shirkat (partnership).”

Mufti Online — Earning by investing some money by liking and subscribing to different YouTube channels and uploading them to an app · 21 Aug 2023

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Making Youtube videosMufti Online · 8 Sep 2026
  2. Can we memorize the Quran using imam kaaba videos on youtube?Ask Imaam · 24 Feb 2023
  3. Monetising ‘You-Tube’ videosIbn Masood · 21 Sep 2022
  4. Addiction To Watching Movies, Youtube etc.Azaadville · 23 Apr 2021
  5. Muslim women appearing on YouTube quoting Quraan and HadeethMufti Online · 23 Jun 2026
  6. Clarification – YouTube QueryAsk Imaam · 27 Dec 2020
  7. Earning by investing some money by liking and subscribing to different YouTube channels and uploading them to an appMufti Online · 21 Aug 2023
  8. Are paid surveys allowed to be taken?Ask Imaam · 2 Nov 2020
  9. Sharing YouTube videos with peopleMufti Online · 17 Jul 2023
  10. Food blogs on Instagram, Youtube & FacebookAsk Imaam · 17 Sep 2020
  11. Lady teacher starting a math YouTube channelMufti Online · 13 Jun 2021
  12. Google Adsense - What can i do?Ask Imaam · 13 Jan 2020
  13. Watching videos on YouTubeMufti Online · 28 Jan 2021
  14. Can you use Authentic Islamic Channel and Youth Club on YouTube to spread Islam?Ask Imaam · 9 Aug 2019
  15. Uploading football highlights on YouTubeMufti Online · 22 Nov 2018

Search more fatawa on this Business & Finance topic Compare Darul Iftas