Photography at Haramain Sharifain
Question:-
What is the ruling in Shariah with regards to taking pictures of the Masjid of Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the Haram, Ka’bah and all other places visited during Umrah/Hajj and posting it on social media?
If the pictures of males are posted on social media and openly, females view them, doesn’t this break the law of Pardah?
Answer:-
Generally, people are walking in and around the Haramain Sharifain (Makkah and Madinah Sharif) day and night (24 hours). Hence, even if one attempts to take a picture of just the building, then too it is highly possible that some passer-by will be captured in the picture which is Haraam. The Hadith states that the worst punishment will be meted out to the picture-maker on the day of Qiyaamah. Yet another Hadith states that, the picture-maker will be commanded to enter life into the animate object captured in the picture, which is impossible to do. Hence, it will be best to refrain from taking any pictures.
Afterall, we have undertaken a journey to the blessed lands of Makkah Sharif and Madinah Sharif to derive maximum blessings and engage in the Ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala, and not to take pictures and thereby boast before others. Unfortunately, a large percentage of the Ummah have lost direction and are focusing more on posing before the Haram Sharif, both in Makkah Sharif or Madinah Sharif, or before the Ka’bah Sharif and taking selfies. Others are busy taking videos all the time, whilst some even watch videos in the Haram Sharif. In such an instance, Umrah and Hajj is nothing more than entertainment and holiday. We are doing exactly what Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited us from doing. There was a time when all bags used to be searched by the security personnel before entering the Haramain, and if any person was found carrying a camera, then he was not permitted to enter. Unfortunately, Umrah and Hajj is now a superficial Ibaadah without any spirituality whatsoever as a result of these devices.
Further, these pictures are posted on social media. We are openly advertising our sin (of engaging in photography) and further getting others involved in sin by making them view these pictures. If one is looking at the picture of the opposite gender and attaining enjoyment, then it is even worse, as such a person is now committing Zinah of the eyes. Also, it is absolutely easy to make contact with any person on Facebook or Instagram, and the disastrous results are well-known to us all. May Allah Ta’ala save the Ummah from all forms of Fitnah and guide us towards righteousness. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 22 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 / 19 October 2022