Prohibition Of Photography

Main Topic

The lecture addresses the prohibition and severe warnings regarding picture-making (capturing animate beings) in Islam and how modern technology has normalized this sin.

Key Lessons

• Following the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in both commands and prohibitions is obligatory upon every Muslim.
• Picture-makers (al-musawwirun) who create images of animate beings face severe warnings of punishment in Jahannam.
• Creating is an exclusive attribute of Allah Ta'ala; attempting to imitate Allah's creation is a grave transgression.
• Modern digital technology and smartphones have made picture-making and watching forbidden content extremely accessible.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Al-Hashr (59:7): Command to take what the Messenger (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) gives and abstain from what he forbids.
• Hadith of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu anhuma): Every picture-maker will be in Jahannam, and every picture made will be given life to punish them.
• Hadith of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud (Radiyallahu anhu): The most severely punished people on the Day of Judgment will be the picture-makers.
• Hadith Qudsi (narrated by Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu anhu): Allah challenges those who attempt to create like His creation to create even an atom or a grain.

Practical Advice

• Refrain from unnecessary photography, videography, and image-making of living beings.
• Guard your smartphones and eyes from fitnah and unlawful viewing.
• Hold firmly to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and strive to remain on Siratul Mustaqeem.