Selling television sets for security purposes

QUESTION:

Will it be permissible to sell a TV on condition that the customer uses it for CCTV purposes only? Will the transaction and money acquired be Halaal?

ANSWER:

Our Fatwa department is not in favour of CCTV due to it comprising of picture-making and filming of animate objects which are prohibited in the Hadith. The Hadith Sharif states, “The worst punishment on the day of Qiyaamah will be meted out to the picture-makers.” [Bukhari] It is on this basis that we do not approve of CCTV. Yes, where the crime rate is extremely high and one is left with no option but to install cameras to monitor the premises, then in such extreme cases it will be acceptable to install the CCTV, with the proviso that the pictures are not recorded, but the screen is always monitored by someone.

Secondly, a television has been primarily manufactured for entertainment, and not for security purposes. Hence, even if it is bought for security purposes, one has the option of switching on the television and watching the contents displayed on TV. Therefore, the sale of televisions is prohibited. Also, in the case of extreme necessity, where cameras may be installed as explained above, the cameras may be connected to a computer screen where movement in and around the premises may be displayed, hence installing a TV is not necessary. In conclusion, selling television sets is not permissible.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Maulana Ahmed Saeed

Date:- 06 Muharram 1445 / 25  July  2023

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb