I love making Obama-Muslim jokes for the simple reason libs get pissy and send me “you’re a big meanie” emails.

KUALA LUMPUR: “Before we do anything, we selfie first” is a common phrase among the youngsters these days, reflecting the selfie craze of today’s society, particularly the Gen Y and Gen Z.

Selfie refers to the act of snapping one’s own photos using a smart phone, web camera or other handheld gadgets and uploading the photos at the social websites like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The selfie craze has become so phenomenal that even Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the guardian of the Malay language, found it fit that the term “selfie” be accepted into the Malay lexicography (Kamus Dewan).

And there is no letting up to the”‘selfie” craze — selfies at parties, planes, bathrooms, holy abodes, funerals and the list goes on. While the real purpose of the selfies is being debated, more than often selfies are presumed to present a flattering image of oneself.

Some of the images highlight one’s ego and being self-centred, intentionally or unintentionally, something to be shunned especially during the holy month of Ramadan where Muslims are required to achieve moderation in their desires and behaviour.

While Muslim scholars are in agreement that selfie does not go against Islam, University Malaya’s Islamic Studies Academy Ustaz Dr Muhammad Lukman Ibrahim reminded that it all depends on the intentions of the person who does the selfie.

If the intention is just to snap pictures and share with friends, then it is allowed.