The Ruling on Image-Making and Clarifying the Non-Retroactivity of Its Prohibition

Question:
This is a question that has been asked many times, and this is one of them. He asks: Is it true that you have retracted your position on the prohibition of image-making, as evidenced by your approval of being filmed on Al-Majd channel and others during lectures?

Answer:
This is a defective statement. Image-making is forbidden (haram), and it is not permissible for me to say that it is lawful, nor is it permissible for anyone else to say so, because the texts are clear in its prohibition, the warning against it, and that it is among the major sins. I am one who rejects this interpretation and forbids it, except in a case of dire necessity. I have repeated to you that it is not permissible except in a case of dire necessity, such as an ID card, a driver's license, or a passport; it is permissible out of necessity. As for anything other than this, for memories, for collection, for scenery, or for decorations hung on walls, this is forbidden. In fact, this is more severe; the one who hangs them is more strictly forbidden. This is what I have said, and this is what I say. Whoever attributes to me anything other than this is a liar. As for Al-Majd channel, I did not go to it, nor did I go to its studios. Rather, they are the ones who take the lesson from the mosque. They are taking the prayer from the Sacred Mosque now, and from the Prophet's Mosque. So they are taking it for the mosque, just as they take it for the Sacred Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.