Question:-
Alhamdulillah, the Ulama and Mashaaikh whom I follow are very strict with regard to the impermissibility of photography.
Recently, someone pointed to the fact that a great Sheikh and Alim, Habib Umar, is pro-photography, and cited many of his videos and photos online. Mention was made that he is a Sayyid and is renowned as a great Sheikh of Tazkiya and Tasawwuf.
How does one reconcile this point?
Answer:-
An Alim cannot be used as a proof in Shariah. The laws of Shariah are derived from the Quraan, Hadith, Ijmaa (consensus of the scholars) and Qiyaas (analogical deduction). The impermissibility of photography is clearly proven from a number of Ahadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and will, therefore, always remain Haraam.
The Fuqaha have written that, due to the stern warnings mentioned in the various Ahadeeth, it is not permissible to take pictures of animate objects, irrespective of whether it is done manually, by means of a pen, using a camera, in a printing press, or by carving a picture with one’s hands. [Re:-Kitaabul Fataawa pg.167 vol.6]
In the commentary of Muslim Shareef, Allama Nawawi Rahmatullahi Alaihi has written that, our companions as well as other Ulama have stated: Drawing pictures of animate objects is the worst form of Haraam and it is from amongst the major sins thus, it will be Haraam to draw or take pictures in all forms. [Re:- Imaam Nawawi’s Sharah on Muslim Shareef pg.199 vol.2]
In a narration of Bukhari and Muslim Shareef, Aisha Radiallahu Anha narrates that she purchased a pillow which had animate pictures printed on them. When Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam saw the pillow, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam stood at the entrance of the house but did not enter the house. Aisha Radiallahu Anha says, “I recognised the displeasure on the face of Rasulullah Salaallahu Alaihi Wasallam thus I said, ‘I repent to Allah and His messenger Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, what sin did I commit?'” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam asked Aisha Radiallahu Anha regarding the pillow (referring to the pictures on it). Aisha Radiallahu Anha responded by saying, “I purchased this pillow so that you may recline upon it and use it as a cushion.” Thereupon Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam remarked, “The people responsible for drawing these pictures will be punished on the day of Qiyamah and they will be told, ‘Insert life into that which you have created!’” Thereafter, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam stated, “Verily the angels do not enter homes which contain such pictures.” [Re:- Bukhari Shareef Pg. 881 Vol.2 / Muslim Shareef Pg. 201 vol.2]
Yet in another narration of Bukhari and Muslim Shareef, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam quotes the words of Almighty Allah Who says, “Can there be a greater oppressor than the person who tries to create a creation like my creation (by taking pictures of animate objects or drawing them)?” These people (who are involved in taking pictures) should try and create an atom or a grain. (When one does not have the ability to create a grain, how will one be able to insert life into an animate object on the day of Qiyamah?) [Re:- Bukhari Shareef pg.880 vol.2 / Muslim Shareef pg.202 vol.2]
From the above Ahadith it is quite clear and evident that all forms of photography are totally Haraam (whether these pictures were taken using an analog camera or digital camera etc.)
In conclusion, the scholar in question has certainly erred in his decision as he is contradicting the teachings of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. His practice (of taking photos) should be discarded and the teachings of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam should be implemented, even though he may be considered as great Sheikh of Tasawwuf or a Sayyid. The teachings of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam will always reign supreme.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 17 Dhul Hijjah 1443 / 17 July 2022
