What is the ruling on keeping paper photos or videos of a deceased person?

Question:
May Allah bless you. I am a young man, eighteen years old. Yes, I am a young man, eighteen years old. I have a video tape and paper photos of a young man who was killed, and he was very dear to me. Is it permissible for me to keep them as memories? I might look at them, and some friends might look at them. Is that permissible, or what is the ruling? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
This is haram (forbidden). Keeping photos, retaining photos for memories, this is not permissible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered that images be erased. He said, "Do not leave an image except that you erase it." So it is not permissible to keep images for memories, or to retain them for memories. This is a matter that is not permissible. Making images is among the major sins, and using images is among the major sins, except in cases of dire necessity. Carrying a photo in cases of dire necessity only, when a person needs the photo for the memory of people, or for a personal ID, or a passport, these are matters of dire necessity. But if he carries them for memories, this is a matter that is not permissible. It is obligatory to destroy them, to take the initiative to destroy them. And if you love your brother, then you should make du'a' (supplication) for him, seek forgiveness for him, and give charity on his behalf. As for keeping his photo, that is a sin, and it does not benefit you and it does not benefit your brother.