Digital photos

Question:-

I have some questions about the sin of digital photos?

1. Is there a guarantee of sin even though there may be difference of opinions on the matter? Or, there is no guarantee of sin but the reason for refraining is due to the matter being doubtful?

2. If there is guarantee of sin, then is the sin a “once-off”? For example, when I look at the picture I get the sin, or, am I always in sin as long as I have those pictures on my phone?

3. If I have pictures of my family members on my phone, will I be in sin all the time, or was I sinful at the time of taking the picture? Are my family members sinful for allowing me to take their picture?

4. Are we sinful for looking at the pictures all the time? What if we watch a video like a Bayaan; will we be sinning for looking at the Maulana even though I’m a male and there isn’t anything else Haraam in the video such as music etc?

Answer:-

1. The Hadith clearly states that the worst punishment on the day of Qiyaamah will be meted out to the picture-makers. There is no uncertainty in the words of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam hence the punishment is definite.

2. A picture is generally taken and kept to view at a later stage otherwise there is no point in taking the picture. Hence, one will be sinful for keeping the picture which he intends viewing at a later stage.

3. You will be sinful for taking pictures and storing them on the phone (to view at a later stage), and your family will be sinful for permitting others to take their pictures.

4. It is not permissible to watch Bayaans on video, You-Tube etc. where the speaker is visible on the screen.

اگر تصویر قصد ا دل خوش کرنے کو دیکھے تو حرام ، اور  اگر بلا قصد نظر پڑ جائے تو کچھ حرج نہیں ۔ (اشرف الاحکام ص۳۰۲)  

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 08 Rabi-Ul-Awwal 1444 / 05 October 2022