Ruling on photography and videography

Walekumussalam,

It should be clear that in Islam, making images of living beings is prohibited, regardless of the form in which they are made (whether animated or still), the method used to make them, the instrument used for their production, or the purpose for which the image is made. These variations and differences do not bring about any difference or leniency in the ruling regarding image-making and depiction. A large number of textual evidences and numerous statements of Islamic jurists establish this ruling.

Therefore, making an image or video of any living being is impermissible and prohibited, regardless of whatever device is used for this purpose. According to the research of a large number of scholars and experts in issuing religious rulings, the distinction between digital and non-digital images is not legally reliable from the Shariah perspective. Taking photographs or making videos with digital or non-digital cameras is not permissible.

It is mentioned in Mishkat al-Masabih:

“وعن عائشة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «أشد الناس عذاباً يوم القيامة الذين يضاهون بخلق الله.”

(Bab al-Tasawir, al-Fasl al-Awwal, Vol. 2, p. 385, Qadeemi)

Translation: “Hazrat Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrates from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that he said: ‘On the Day of Judgment, the people who will receive the severest punishment will be those who imitate the creation of Allah.’”

وفيه أيضا:

“عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: «أشد الناس عذاباً عند الله المصورون.”

(Bab al-Tasawir, al-Fasl al-Awwal, Vol. 2, p. 385, Qadeemi)

Translation: “Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه) says: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: ‘The people who will be subjected to the severest punishment in the sight of Allah are the image-makers.’”

وفيه أيضا:

“عن ابن عباس قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: «كل مصور  في النار يجعل له بكل صورة صورها نفسا فيعذبه في جهنم.”

(Bab al-Tasawir, al-Fasl al-Awwal, Vol. 2, p. 385, Qadeemi)

Translation: “Hazrat Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) says: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: ‘Every image-maker will be in Hell, and for every image that he made, a soul will be created that will punish him in Hell.’”

It is mentioned in Radd al-Muhtar:

“وظاهر كلام النووي في شرح مسلم الإجماع على تحريم تصوير الحيوان، وقال: وسواء صنعه لما يمتهن أو لغيره، فصنعته حرام بكل حال، لأن فيه مضاهاة لخلق الله تعالى، وسواء كان في ثوب أو بساط أو درهم وإناء وحائط وغيرها اهـ فينبغي أن يكون حراما لا مكروها إن ثبت الإجماع أو قطعية الدليل بتواتره اهـ كلام البحر ملخصا.”

(Shami, Kitab al-Salah, Bab Ma Yufsidu al-Salah wa Ma Yukrahu Fiha, Vol. 1, p. 647, Saeed)

Therefore, making images and videos of living beings is not permissible. However, the ruling regarding watching an image or video depends separately on its content and purpose. If it contains any Shariah-related impermissible matter, immodesty, obscene scenes, or other prohibited elements, then watching it is also not permissible.

And Allah knows best.