Starting a photography business

Question:-

I want to start a side business where I will take photos for important legal documents only, such as passports, photos, ID documents, driver’s licence, etc. Is this permissible?

Answer:-

The impermissibility of photography is proven from authentic Ahadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, hence, one should try to refrain from all forms of photography to the best of one’s ability. However, it will be permissible to take a photo due to necessity such as, requiring a photo for an identity document or passport and visas, in the case where one is required to travel for Fardh Hajj, etc. For such reasons, it will be acceptable to take pictures for clients.

However, the Hadith states that the world is “sweet and green (lush)”, meaning that it is extremely tempting. One could initiate the business because of necessity, but later get tempted into taking unnecessary pictures for non-Muslim clients, or for weddings, etc. and this could further expand into taking videos, etc. which are all Haraam. We, therefore, discourage Muslims from offering such a service as it could lead to various other Haraam transactions and practices. In conclusion, you should refrain from offering such a service.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 04 Shawwal 1444 / 25 April 2023