Can I film strangers and post them online as a Muslim?

The problem isn't the camera

Islam has no issue with filming a street, an event or your day out, and people will naturally appear in the background. The issue is what you do with a person once they're in your video. Many viral clips are built on someone else's worst moment: a fall, an argument, a strange outfit, a person who's clearly struggling. That's where it becomes ridicule.

Covering people's faults

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever covers up a Muslim, Allah will cover him up on the Day of Resurrection" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2442). Scholars apply this kindness to people in general. Posting someone's mistake for millions to see is the opposite of covering it, and once it's online, you can't take it back. It also often becomes backbiting with a video attached. See Is it backbiting to complain about someone online?

Things to avoid

• Prank and "reaction" videos that scare, trick or humiliate strangers.
• Filming people at their weakest: homeless people, someone drunk, someone crying, a person in a medical emergency.
• Close-ups of women or men without their knowledge, which also raises modesty issues.
• Filming children who aren't yours, without a parent's consent.
• Sharing people's private details like their home, car plate or workplace.

When filming is fine or even good

Recording a crime, harassment, or police misconduct to protect someone's rights is a different case; many scholars see it as standing up against injustice. Even then, give the footage to the authorities or blur faces where possible. For street interviews or vlogs, ask people first and respect a "no". Local law in the UK, EU and USA also has rules on privacy and consent, so check them before posting. For your own content, see Can I make TikTok videos as a Muslim?