The Ruling on Image-Making

Question:
May Allah reward you. This brother Salih from Riyadh says: It is common in the Friday prayer for some people to take out their mobile phones and film the imam, or, if they are in the two Sacred Mosques, to film the worshippers and the like during the preacher’s sermon. So please give us your guidance, may Allah bless you.

Answer:
Filming people is forbidden; it is not permissible. If this is done in the Sacred Mosque or in any other mosque, the prohibition is even stronger. It is not permissible to film people. Filming is not permissible except out of necessity, such as a security incident, a passport, a driver’s license, or something similar. Apart from that, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the painters and informed us that they will be the most severely punished people on the Day of Resurrection. On the Day of Resurrection, the painter will be brought every image he created in this world, and it will be said to him, “Breathe life into it,” but he will not be able to do so. However, this is a form of punishment for him. Yes.