Adding a link that directs one to a website with animate pictures
QUESTION:
An entity (individual or organization) is involved in some wrongdoing, due to which it becomes necessary to expose them and inform Muslims regarding the matter so that they (the Muslim public) are safe from the (Deeni or worldly) harms of associating with the entity concerned. If photographic evidence is available on any website (obviously run by people who have no Deeni concern) regarding the guilty person or organization (e.g. their participation in an impermissible gathering such as an interfaith prayer session), will it be permissible for us, when publishing an article (on the internet) regarding the matter, to provide a link to the photo? The consequence of somebody clicking on the link will be that the linked webpage will open up displaying the photographic evidence, which nevertheless, will be a Haram picture. We are concerned whether this might amount to becoming the cause of another person (who reads our website) committing Haram (opening a Haram photograph on their screen). It is observed that certain Ulema-e-Haq follow a practice of publishing copies of such photos with the heads covered. While we understand that this will be permissible, certain people may consider this as insufficient evidence due to the face not being visible or claim that the photos are fabricated. However, we cannot put up the original photos (with heads visible) on our websites since it is Haram. Please advise with an appropriate course of action if the above (linking to such websites) is not permissible.
ANSWER:
You may refute the evil that they are involved in (on your website) by writing against them. In your article you may state that the details can be found on the organization’s website, without adding any link on your website. It is then up to the individual to verify and check their website if they require further clarification. In this way, you will not be the means of them accessing their website which contains Haraam pictures.
Another option would be to post the pictures (of the individuals) on your website with their heads removed. If one has a doubt with regard to its authenticity, then they may access the organization’s website and confirm the post.
These would be the best options in our opinion.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 12 Muharram 1445 / 31 July 2023