He called himself El Hadji Babacar. A noble name, one that evokes faith, piety, and respect, reminding us of those honored to have completed the pilgrimage to Mecca. But behind this dignified appearance, accusations point to a man who turned humiliation and blackmail into weapons to defame, destroy, and profit. Assuming the name of the famous Senegalese thinker Kocc Barma, he allegedly created a harmful system based on collecting and distributing intimate videos. What he did—and what others enabled—raises a painful question: where have the values of our Muslim society gone?
This scandal reveals an even deeper malaise. Men, hurt by divorce, sent videos of their ex-wives to this blackmailer, driven by vengeance and hatred. Women did the same. Young boys forced their girlfriends to send photos under the guise of love, then threatened to expose everything if they broke up. Sometimes, these threats were carried out. It is no longer external enemies destroying our homes, but those who swear love and loyalty, yet betray at the first conflict.
In all this, one truth stands clear: no matter how well you think you know or love someone, you must never, ever send intimate photos or videos through a phone or the internet. Because one day, that image can become a weapon against you. And on that day, even your tears will not erase the damage caused.
The Islam we practice—or claim to practice—teaches us modesty, discretion, respect for privacy, and human dignity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Modesty is part of faith.” And Allah has clearly forbidden spying, gossip, and slander. Yet, our phones have become channels for the forbidden. Our WhatsApp shares spread indecency. Our clicks encourage vice. And our silence makes all this normal.
It is time to stop. To reflect. To fear—not the authorities or social media, but the One who sees all, hears all, and will hold us accountable for everything. Because what you share in secret in this life will follow you openly in the hereafter. And what you cover with modesty, Allah will cover with mercy.
Each of us must become a shield against this corruption: refuse to share, delete received videos, educate our children, speak in mosques, warn in schools, alert families. We must break this cycle of shame, revenge, and unhealthy buzz.
The Devil rejoices when a Muslim humiliates another. He is pleased when the honor of a sister or brother is thrown to the dogs of the web. He wins every time we remain passive. But we can still close the doors to him. There is still time to return to our values. Time to repent.
Let each of us ask: if I died today, what would my phone say about me? What will Allah say about my shares, my clicks, my silences?
May Allah purify our hearts, our homes, and make us sincere believers. Amen.