Photos and videos - Islamic Ruling

Assalam alaikum wa rahamtullahi wa barakatuhum


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.
Source: http://www.albalagh.net/qa/photo_video.shtml

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK.

Question :

i have heard that keeping pictures in the house is haraam. 1) i have told some members of my family about this and they do not want to get rid of family photos especially of deceased. 2) we have newspapers in the house but they get recycled and thrown away anyway so would i have to delete the photos on the newspapers after purchasing then?because i feel like it would be just a waste of time.

Answer:

Bismillah

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah's guidance)


1) One must get rid of living pictures of the deceased etc. This ruling applies on all pictures of living objects whether they are alive or deceased.

In Surah Al-Anbiya 21:51-54, Allah Ta'ala says:

"And indeed We bestowed afore time on Ibrahim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah, etc.). When he said to his father and his people: "What are these images, to which you are devoted?"
They said:"We found our fathers worshipping them."
He said: "Indeed you and your fathers have been in manifest error."

Narrated Aisha (RA):

When the Prophet became ill, some of his wives talked about a church which they had seen in Ethiopia and it was called Mariya. Um Salma and Um Habiba had been to Ethiopia, and both of them narrated its (the Church's) beauty and the pictures it contained. The Prophet raised his head and said, "Those are the people who, whenever a pious man dies amongst them, make a place of worship at his grave and then they make those pictures in it. Those are the worst creatures in the Sight of Allah." (Bukhari 2.425)

Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA):

Abul Hayyaj al-Asadi told that Ali ibn Abu Talib said to him: Should I not send you on the same mission as Allah's Messenger sent me? Do not leave an image without obliterating it, or a high grave without levelling it. This Hadith has been reported by Habib with the same chain of transmitters and he said: (do not leave) a picture without obliterating it. (Muslim)


Why should pictures not be kept:

It opens the door of idol worship. That is, it will turn into a common custom. There are different level of understanding among the masses so, there is always the possibility of mischief and misuse as indeed, had happened earlier. Those who made icons did not themselves worship them but cast them to keep alive the memory of righteous elders and saints. Finally, it led to idol worship. Therefore, to keep pictures is unlawful even from an angle of reasoning and intelligence. (The wisdom behind the commands of Islam Pg. 350)

It should be remembered that, true memories of a Muslim relative or friend reside in the heart, and One must remember them by praying for mercy and forgiveness for them.

However, if one has kept the picture of their deceased, they will not have any difficulties in the grave. Insha Allah.


2) Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that, 'The Malaaikah (angels) do not enter into those homes wherein there are dogs and pictures (of animate objects).' [Reported by Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim ].

This Hadith means that such an action constitutes violation and disobedience to Divine Orders. The presence of Angels manifests Allah's Mercy. So, the house in which there is no Mercy of Allah, is not good.

Also, In the light of the above Hadith, we understand that animate pictures should not be kept in the house. Hence, newspapers and magazines should be removed from the house after being used.

However, if one cannot remove it after use, it should then be covered with something or place it in the cabinet draw or something similar.


And Only Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.
Source: http://muftisays.com/qa.php?viewpage=viewQA&highlight=%20photo&question=1047