Photos unexpectedly taken at a function

Question:-

I went to a function which was separate (meaning that they had separate facilities for males and females)  but photographers were present. I tried my level best to stay not to be captured by the cameras, but I got caught in one of the pictures unknowingly. Is there something that I can do about it?

Answer:-

As Muslims we should not be attending any gathering wherein the commands of Allah Ta’ala are openly violated[1]. On one occasion Hadrat Abdullah bin Masood Radiallahu Anhu was invited to a Walimah function. When he was about to enter (the gathering) he heard the sound of music. He did not enter but returned home immediately. The person asked him, “Why did you return?” He said, “I heard Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam saying, “Whoever increases the number of a nation will be counted amongst them and whoever is happy with the action of any group of people will be counted amongst them.”[2]

In conclusion, you too should have left the gathering the moment you became aware of the fact that photos were being openly taken. You should now sincerely repent for your error and make a firm resolution not to attend such gatherings in the future. At the same time, you should get in touch with the photographers and endeavor to have the photos deleted.

[1] حدثنا الأعمش عن مسلم قال كنا مع مسروق في دار يسار بن نمير فرأى في صفته تماثيل فقال سمعت عبد الله قال سمعت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول إن أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة المصورون صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 5950

[2] عن عمرو بن الحارث أن رجلا دعا عبد الله بن مسعود إلى وليمة فلما جاء ليدخل سمع لهوا فلم يدخل فقال ما لك رجعت قال إني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول من كثر سواد قوم فهو منهم ومن رضي عمل قوم كان شريكا في عملهم

 إتحاف الخيرة المهرة، الرقم: 3297

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 06 Jumadal Ula 1444 / 01 December 2022