Islamic Ruling on Viewing Indecent Content Involving Minors

02 November, 2025
Q What is the Islamic ruling on viewing indecent or sexualized content involving minors, and how does this relate to the Fiqh discussion about the limits of looking at the ʿawrah of pre-pubescent children?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

In this fatwa:

Islam declares all indecent content involving minors as absolutely haram. Any sexualized look, image, or act toward a child is considered abuse and Fahishah. Muslims must stop it immediately, report harm, protect the child, and pursue sincere repentance with professional and legal accountability.

Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

Islamic Ruling on Indecent Content Involving Minors

Islam is clear; any indecency involving minors—whether viewing, sharing, producing, soliciting, or participating—is absolutely haram, a grave sin, and one of the most serious offenses. It can never be justified.

The dignity and safety of children are a sacred trust from Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm” (Malik) and “Whoever does not show mercy to our young is not of us” (At-Tirmidhi)

This includes any sexualized look, comment, image, or act—whether direct or indirect.

What Scholars Say About Sexualized Behavior Toward Minors

Scholars unanimously agree that such behavior is Fahishah (obscenity) and constitutes abuse. It must be stopped immediately.

Immediate Steps to Take If a Child Is at Risk

If you suspect or are aware of harm:

  • Protect the child immediately: remove them from danger and seek medical or psychological care.
  • Please report it to the local police or child protection services immediately, and cooperate fully with the authorities.
  • Do not conceal or delay—silence only enables further abuse.
  • Safeguard your community: implement clear policies, screening, supervision, and a culture of mandatory reporting.

Repentance and Recovery for Those Who Have Sinned

If someone has engaged in this sin, they must stop completely, repent sincerely, seek Allah’s forgiveness, pursue urgent professional treatment with specialized clinicians, accept legal accountability, and implement strict safeguards to prevent recurrence. Allah’s mercy is vast for those who genuinely turn back, but true repentance requires decisive action and the protection of the vulnerable.

There is no excuse for harming minors. Protecting and defending them is an act of worship; abusing them is a betrayal of trust before Allah and His creation.

Explore more guidance on related Islamic rulings:

Can Muslim Married Couple Watch Porn?
Do I Have to Do Ghusl after Watching Porn?
How to Overcome Porn Addiction in Islam
Does Watching Porn Break Wudu?
How to Stop Watching Porn

Almighty Allah knows best.

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada