Ethics of “Sharenting” (Sharing Children’s Content on Social Media) in Islam

In the digital era, a phenomenon “share” i.e. sharing children’s content has become a common practice. Parents can easily upload photos, videos and stories about their children to social media, ranging from funny moments, achievements, to daily conditions. However, behind the good intentions to share happiness and pride, there is a fiqh question: how does Islam view this practice? Do children’s rights to privacy and dignity in Islam also apply in the digital space?

Legal basis and sharia principles in parenting

Parental responsibility in Islam is a mandate from Allah Exalted which is very noble and heavy. The Qur’an and Sunnah have established the basic framework of this obligation, which is the foundation for assessing every parenting act, including share.

The obligation to educate and protect

Allah Exalted said,

O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from the fire of hell whose fuel is people and stones

“O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from the fire of hell whose fuel is people and stones…” (QS. At-Tahrim: 6)

This verse emphasizes that the first scope of responsibility of a believer is to protect himself and his family from all forms of evil and danger, both in this world and the hereafter. Rasulullah ﷺ emphasized this concept of responsibility in his great words,

Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.

“Each of you is a leader, and every leader will be held accountable for those he leads…” (HR. Al-Bukhari no. 2049 and Muslim no. 1829)

Children are the main part of the “people” led by their parents. Therefore, any decision to share information about them into the unstoppable public domain is part of a responsibility that will be questioned before Allah.

Maintain privacy and private parts

Islam highly glorifies and upholds privacy. Allah Exalted said,

O you who believe, let the third of you who have your right hand and who have not yet reached maturity ask your permission. He passed

“O you who believe! Let the servants you have and those who are underage among you ask your permission three times (in one day)…” (QS. An-Nur: 58)

This verse, even though it speaks in the context of certain conditions, teaches the universal principle of respecting the private space (aurat) of individuals, including children who have not yet reached adulthood. Sharing a child’s private moments—such as when they are bathing, sleeping, or crying—without careful consideration can be considered a violation of their privacy and time.

Prohibition of harming yourself and others

The Prophet ﷺ said,

No harm, no harm

“Unable to cause harm and unable to respond to harm.” (HR. Ibnu Majah no. 2340)

This rule of jurisprudence is a critical parameter. If activity share proven or potential cause dharar (danger) for children, both physically (such as the risk of identity theft and exploitation), and psychologically (such as embarrassment in the future or being subjected to cyberbullying)then the law can shift towards haram.

Threat ‘ain and digital dangers

Among the special considerations taught by the ulama are threats ‘ain, namely eye sight that can be dangerous. When Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani God bless explain about ‘ain, he says,

An approving gaze tinged with envy of an evil nature that causes harm to the person being looked at.

“A gaze (awe/amazement) mixed with envy from a person with a bad character, which results in harm to the person or object he sees.” (Iman al-Bari10:200)

The Qur’an itself hints at the fact ‘ain in His words about the disbelievers who almost brought down the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with their gaze (QS. Al-Qalam: 51). The Prophet ﷺ also said,

His eyes were right

“‘Ain it’s real.” (HR. Al-Bukhari no. 5740 and Muslim no. 2188)

In context shareSharing photos or videos of children—especially those showing their strengths, beauty, intelligence, or ease of sustenance—can provoke looks of amazement or even envy from a number of people. Although ‘ain happened with Allah’s permission and not solely because of the photo, but whether it opened up opportunities or not sadd adz-dzari’ah (blocking the path to damage) is negligence.

Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi hafidzahullah states that an act which is originally permissible (such as sharing photos) can change its legal status to become makruh or haram if it causes sorry (damage) is greater, such as opening up opportunities ‘Ain, Riya’, ujub, or other physical and non-physical dangers to children.

Other worldly dangers that are very real and revealed by modern research include:

• Loss of control over digital identity: From birth, a child’s digital footprint is established without their consent.
• Security risks: Information such as full name, date of birth, school location and routine can be misused for criminal purposes.
• Long-term psychological impact: Content that parents find funny may become a source of embarrassment and bullying as children grow up.

Based on the review above, the original law is permissible, but this permissibility is conditional and can change according to intentions, methods and consequences. The main principle that must be adhered to is “prioritizing the benefit (goodness) and protection of children over the parents’ desire to share.”

Ultimately, parents’ main responsibility is to educate and protect their children to become godly servants of God, not to turn them into “content” exposed for public consumption. The most beautiful happiness often exists in private moments that are not exposed, which only become sweet memories between children, parents, and God’s blessing. Drug.

By Allah, Ta’ala. Hope it is useful.

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Writer: Junaidi Abu Isa

Article Muslim.or.id