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Photos and Videos
By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
| Q.) I have always heard that taking photos and having the photos taken using a
camera is not allowed in Islam. The Hadith (Allahu Alam) which is quoted more or less
means that sketching pictures of a living object (most commonly a human being) is
prohibited in Islam. This hadith is about sketching pictures with a person's hand. What
is the ruling for using a camera for doing this? Is it the same? If yes, please enlighten
us according to Qur'an, Sunnah and Fiqh.
What if the photos of children only are taken (when they are mehram for all) and anyone
can see their photos. According to one opinion, photography is prohibited because there is
a possibility that a non-mehram can see that picture. Is it prohibited for all to take and
see the photos regardless of being mehram or non-mehram?
What is the ruling according to Fiqh about movie making? It is a common practice now to
relay Salat from Makkah Mukarammah during Ramadan in which Imam-e-Kaaba and the Namazis
are shown during the prayers. As another example, our ulema and religious people also
present various programs on television (TV) during Ramadan or otherwise, and have their
movie made. Our religious scholars are always reluctant and avoid to have their photos
taken, but isn't getting the programs recorded for TV the same as having the photos taken?
[Talib Hidaya] |
A.) Picture frames and photographs of animate objects are not permissible to
display. Frames having pictures of inanimate objects e.g. trees, mountains, etc. are
permissible.
- Sayyidna Abu Talha, Radi-Allahu anhu, narrates that Nabi, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam,
said, "Angels (of mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a
picture." (Mishkat vol. 2 p.385)
- Abdullah ibn Masood, Radi-Allahu anhu, narrates that Rasulullah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa
sallam, said, "The people with the most severe punishment by Allah will be the
picture makers." (Ibid).
- Sayyidna Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates, "I heard the messenger of Allah saying, 'Every
picture-maker will be in the fire. A life will be created for every picture the
picture-maker made, and he will be tortured in Hell.'"
- If you have to make pictures (says Ibn Abbaas) then make a picture of a tree or such
things which are inanimate.' (Bukhari and Muslim)
However, if the frames are of inanimate objects but containing verses of the Noble
Qur'an, Hadith and names of Allah Taala then extreme caution must be taken where these
frames are hung. If hung at home in the lounge or sitting room then due respect should be
shown by not using vulgar language or smoking there. And Allah Taala Knows Best.
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