Capturing Animate Images

QUESTION:

Is it permissible to take pictures of animate objects and store them as a memory keepsake? Also, are we allowed to watch animated programs such as cartoons?

ANSWER:

All forms of picture-making are Haraam; whether the picture was taken by means of a digital camera, or captured on a video, or drawn by hand, etc. The impermissibility of photography is clearly proven from the Ahaadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, some of which we have quoted below:

Imaam A’mash Rahimahullah narrates from his Ustaad, Muslim Rahimahullah, that Masrooq Rahimahullah was once in the home of Yasaar Rahimahullah when his sight fell on some pictures. He immediately narrated the Hadith which he heard from Hadrat Abdullah Bin Mas’ood Radiallahu Anhu, who narrates from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, “Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst form of punishment on the day of Qiyaamah.” [Re: -Muslim Pg.201 Vol.2 / Bukhari Pg.880 Vol.2]

Hadrat Abdullah Bin Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Those involved in picture-making will be severely punished on the day of Qiyaamah and Allah Ta’ala will say to them, ‘Give life to what you have created!’.” [Re: – Muslim Pg.201 Vol.2 / Bukhari Pg.880 Vol.2]

Hadrat Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu states, “I was once in the company of Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma when someone asked regarding picture-making. Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma said that he heard Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam saying, ‘The one who creates a picture (of an animate object) will be commanded to give life to it on the day of Qiyaamah. However, he will never be able to give life to it (hence, he will face severe torment and punishment in the fire of Jahannam),’.” [Re: – Bukhari Pg.881 Vol.2 Muslim Pg.202 Vol.2]

In conclusion, you should abstain from all types of animate photography and videography, whether it is humans, animals or cartoons. Also, together with seeking forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala for taking pictures of animate objects, you should destroy and delete whatever is in your possession.

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

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 12 Safar 1448 / 29 July 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb