Is It Permissible to Promote Cheating-Detection Apps, and Is the Income Halal?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

I upload videos promoting an app that helps users check if their partner has cheated. Am I allowed to upload such content, and is the income from it halal?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Promoting an app that encourages suspicion and spying on others raises serious ethical and Islamic concerns. Spying on each other is unlawful in Islam. Islam strongly emphasizes trust, privacy, and a good opinion of others. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of speech. Do not spy on one another…” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Spying on one’s spouse or encouraging suspicion without clear evidence contradicts Islamic teachings on trust and marital harmony. While Islam does not condone infidelity, addressing concerns should be done through direct communication, Islamic guidance, or legal avenues, not through secretive or deceptive means.

Regarding income, if promoting such an app leads to spying, harm, mistrust, or unethical behavior, its earnings would be problematic and likely impermissible. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“When Allah forbids something, He also forbids its price.” [Ahmad]

Recommendation

Please avoid promoting such content and instead focus on work that aligns with Islamic values of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. Seeking halal income brings baraka (blessings) and peace of mind.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.