Question:-
My question pertains to digital photos. Is this form of photography permissible? If not, why?
What is the basis of the difference of opinion between the scholars on this issue?
Hypothetically speaking, if it was permissible, then would there be limitations in it’s application? What would those be?
Is there any literature that I can read to better understand this issue?
Answer:-
1. 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 Ahadith 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 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]
Abdullah Bin Umar Radiallahu 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]
Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu states, “I was once in the company of Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu when someone asked in regards to picture-making?Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu 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]
2. Those who claim that digital photography is permissible, base their claim on it not being a normal picture, as a normal picture remains fixed on a piece of paper, or wall, or any other object, whereas in the case of digital photography there is no form whatsoever (meaning the software in the camera reads the pixels and ultimately displays an image on the screen). Hence, the prohibition of photography from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is not applicable to this modern day invention. They state that the digital images (appearing on the screen) have a closer resemblance to a reflection of a mirror (which does not remain constant) instead of a physical picture.
However, their analogy is incorrect as the reflection on a mirror occurs naturally without any action of man, whereas a digital photo is a result of one’s actions hence, one will be accountable.
Secondly, the reflection of a mirror remains as long as the object remains before the mirror but the moment the object is moved, the reflection also disappears. In the case of digital photography the image remains perpetual (on the screen) unless it is deleted.
3. Furthermore, they claim that the digital photo differs from the physical picture that existed in the time of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Yes, undoubtedly, digital photography did not exist in the time of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. However, the end result of a digital picture and hand drawn picture is very similar hence, the ruling of impermissibility which is applicable to hand-drawn pictures is applicable to digital photos as well. In one narration Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Every picture-maker will be in the fire of Jahannam.” [Re:- Muslim Pg.202 Vol.2]
4. There is absolutely no question of photography ever being permissible hence, your question of limitations is not applicable.
5. There is a Kitaab entitled ‘Photography and Modern challenges’ written by Madrasah Taleem-ud-Deen, which discusses the issue of digital photography in detail which may be referred to for further information.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 25 Dhul Hijjah 1443 / 25 July 2022
