❖ GB WhatsApp Usage and Its Sharʿī Ruling ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-ʿĀlim Ḥāfiẓ Khidr Ḥayāt حفظه الله
Is it permissible to use GB WhatsApp, particularly for viewing someone’s deleted messages or status, or to appear as if a message hasn’t been read?
Using GB WhatsApp or similar unofficial apps, especially to access features that reveal deleted messages, statuses, or private information, is not permissible Islamically, ethically, or legally.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"مَنِ اسْتَمَعَ إِلَى حَدِيثِ قَوْمٍ، وَهُمْ لَهُ كَارِهُونَ، أَوْ يَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ، صُبَّ فِي أُذُنِهِ الآنُكُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ"
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 7042]
Translation:
“Whoever eavesdrops on the conversation of a people while they dislike it or avoid him, molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Judgement.”
If someone chooses to delete a message, they have made a conscious decision to withhold it.
Using software that disregards that choice and reveals the message violates both Sharʿī ethics and personal privacy.
Such an act falls under the category of intrusion, which is reprehensible in Islamic ethics.
People who are habitually interested in uncovering the secrets of others often fall into:
✔ The use of GB WhatsApp or similar apps for viewing deleted messages, statuses, or breaching others’ privacy is not permissible.
✔ If someone must use such an app, they must disable any features that allow unauthorized access to others’ content or status.
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-ʿĀlim Ḥāfiẓ Khidr Ḥayāt حفظه الله
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to use GB WhatsApp, particularly for viewing someone’s deleted messages or status, or to appear as if a message hasn’t been read?
❖ Answer:
Using GB WhatsApp or similar unofficial apps, especially to access features that reveal deleted messages, statuses, or private information, is not permissible Islamically, ethically, or legally.
✿ Hadith Evidence:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"مَنِ اسْتَمَعَ إِلَى حَدِيثِ قَوْمٍ، وَهُمْ لَهُ كَارِهُونَ، أَوْ يَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ، صُبَّ فِي أُذُنِهِ الآنُكُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ"
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 7042]
Translation:
“Whoever eavesdrops on the conversation of a people while they dislike it or avoid him, molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Judgement.”
❖ Detailed Explanation:
① Viewing Deleted Messages:
If someone chooses to delete a message, they have made a conscious decision to withhold it.
Using software that disregards that choice and reveals the message violates both Sharʿī ethics and personal privacy.
Such an act falls under the category of intrusion, which is reprehensible in Islamic ethics.
② Legal and Technical Concerns:
- GB WhatsApp is an unofficial and unauthorized application.
- It is not available on Google Play Store or any recognized official app marketplace.
- Its security is questionable, putting users at risk of data breaches and malware.
③ Psychological and Social Harm:
People who are habitually interested in uncovering the secrets of others often fall into:
- Negative psychological states,
- Paranoia,
- Baseless suspicions,
- And interpersonal conflicts.
❖ Final Ruling (Ḥukm):
✔ The use of GB WhatsApp or similar apps for viewing deleted messages, statuses, or breaching others’ privacy is not permissible.
✔ If someone must use such an app, they must disable any features that allow unauthorized access to others’ content or status.
