KARACHI: Dr. Zakir Naik, a well-known Islamic scholar, has cautioned YouTube creators about the platform’s monetization program, labeling it “forbidden” according to Islamic principles.
At a recent public event in Port City, the founder of Peace TV discussed the classification of YouTube earnings as “haram” and examined the implications of its advertisements. The respected scholar emphasized, “Even if you block alcohol ads, you can’t stop ads featuring women in revealing clothing.” His statement highlights the moral dilemmas connected to advertising revenue associated with content that displays women and music.
YouTube income is haram: Doctor Zakir Naik pic.twitter.com/Cp7d6LmbKY
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) October 7, 2024
He observed that, despite having a substantial following and the potential for considerable income, many channels that share his videos often include images of women in their thumbnails, which generally results in greater viewership than his own content.
Additionally, he mentioned that his videos have faced shadow banning, leading to a decrease in views; however, since moving to an Asian nation, he has witnessed a rise in audience interaction.
Dr. Naik further stressed the importance of ethical income and advised attendees to refrain from using YouTube for influence. He encouraged them to focus on their faith, asserting that sacrificing ad revenue would not negatively impact their lives but instead bring about greater blessings.
This visit to Pakistan is Dr. Naik’s first in thirty years, as he last traveled to the country in the early 1990s. Currently residing in Malaysia due to controversies and legal challenges from the Modi government in India, he has been advocating for his perspectives from abroad.
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