Is It Permissible to Monetize a YouTube Video Downloader App?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it halal to monetize a mobile app that allows downloading YouTube videos despite platform restrictions?

Answer

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

Allah Most High says:

“O you who believe! Fulfill your obligations.” [Quran, 5:1]

This verse underscores the importance of respecting lawful agreements and terms of service. While creating an app for permissible usage is lawful, creating an app designed to be used for something unlawful is unlawful, and Allah knows best.

Entering into a contract or using a platform entails adhering to its conditions, provided they do not contradict Islamic principles. If YouTube explicitly prohibits downloading videos, creating or monetizing an app to bypass these restrictions would involve breaching the agreed-upon terms, which is impermissible.

Monetizing such an app would result in income derived from a prohibited act, making it unlawful to profit from it. Instead, one should seek permissible earning avenues that align with Islamic ethics and legal agreements.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib

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.