Q:

Asalamualikum, I have a question. I don’t know if you are aware of Snapchat, if not, please check up online to have an understanding about my question. My main question is that, is it permissible to use snapchat face filters, there are different ones, like dog filters, filters that enhance ones beauty, etc…

Jazakallah khayran.

A:

Here is what I found about it during my search:

“Snapchat may provide the perfect medium for maintaining relationships with close friends, without the pressure to present one self in extraordinary form, say scientists who delved into why people use the addictive social platform which allows short, quick posts. Due to its brevity, Snapchat could be the best form of communication in a world where people struggle with a seemingly diminishing attention span.”

“People use Snapchat a lot because of its entertainment and functional needs,” said J J Delacruz, graduate student at Texas Tech University in the US. “For certain people, it enables them to overcome communication apprehension by using a different means of communication where they don’t have a threat in their face. At the same time, there are people who are addicted to it,” said Delacruz.”

If this is the function of Snapchat and you do not intend to cheat or misrepresent yourself or anyone, then like any other innocent medium, it is not objectionable.

If, on the other hand, you were to use it to disguise your identity or cheat and deceive people, then it would be haram or forbidden.

I pray to Allah to save us all from sins and to help us remain steadfast.

Almighty Allah Knows best.