AI Generated Images

QUESTION: 

Is it permissible to use AI generated images and videos for food posters or menus advertising products on offer? These pictures are mostly enhanced in beauty and isn’t a true reflection of what’s being sold.

ANSWER:

We are not in favour of using AI generated images as many a times it has animated pictures which are Haraam in Islam. Furthermore, these pictures are deceptive as well. It is best to abstain from AI and all its content.

Below we have recorded some Ahaadith explaining the prohibition of photography:

عن مسروق عن عبد الله قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم إن من أشد الناس عذابا يوم القيامة المصورون

)صحيح البخاري #2298(

Hadrat Abdullah bin Masood Radiallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: “Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst form of punishment on the Day of Qiyaamah.”

عن سعيد بن أبي الحسن قال جاء رجل إلى بن عباس فقال إني رجل أصور هذه الصور فأفتني فيها فقال له ادن مني فدنا منه ثم قال ادن مني فدنا حتى وضع يده على رأسه قال أنبئك بما سمعت من رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول كل مصور في النار يجعل له بكل صورة صورها نفسا فتعذبه في جهنم وقال إن كنت لا بد فاعلا فاصنع الشجر وما لا نفس له.

(صحيح مسلم  2110)

Sa’eed bin Abil Hasan Rahimahullah reports that a man once came to Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma and said, “I am a picture-maker hence provide me with a Fatwa in regard to it.” Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma told him, “Come close to me.” The man drew closer to him. Then Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma told him, “Come even closer to me.” The man drew even closer to him until Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma placed his hand on his head and said, “I will inform you of what I heard from Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. I heard Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam saying, ‘Every picture-maker will be in the fire of Jahannam. A creature will be made for every picture drawn (or taken by means of a camera or by any other means) and he will then be punished in Jahannam. Therefore, if you have no other option but to draw a picture, then draw the picture of a tree or a lifeless object,’.”

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 02 Jumaadal-Ulaa 1448 / 13 October 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb