Depicting living beings, whether human or animal, is forbidden except when dire necessity compels it
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Fatwa number ( 3703 ):
Q: I have read [Sahih al-Bukhari ] and read the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him):Mishkat al-Masabih 4498 I have been working in photography for eighteen years in what is called photographic or chemical photography, depicting humans, animals, and other creatures. I am currently working in the photography department of military factories to produce the images required by the factories for publications and other purposes. I have stopped at this hadith and I am very afraid; therefore, I ask your eminence to issue a ruling on this, knowing that my source of income from eighteen years until now is my earnings from photography.
A: First: Depicting living beings, whether human or animal, is forbidden except when dire necessity compels it, such as a photo placed in an identity card, or in a passport for one who is compelled to travel, or photos of criminals
and those involved in incidents who pose a danger to security, in order to identify them and assist in apprehending them when needed. Second: The means of lawful earnings are many, so the Muslim should follow their path; to avoid what Allah has forbidden and to steer clear of places of doubt. May Allah make our affairs and yours easy, and prepare for everyone the path of guidance and rightness. As for what has passed, we hope that Allah will forgive it, and we advise you to make sincere repentance. And success is from Allah. And may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: I have read [Sahih al-Bukhari ] and read the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him):
Everyone who makes representations of things will go to hell
كل مصور في النارA: First: Depicting living beings, whether human or animal, is forbidden except when dire necessity compels it, such as a photo placed in an identity card, or in a passport for one who is compelled to travel, or photos of criminals
and those involved in incidents who pose a danger to security, in order to identify them and assist in apprehending them when needed. Second: The means of lawful earnings are many, so the Muslim should follow their path; to avoid what Allah has forbidden and to steer clear of places of doubt. May Allah make our affairs and yours easy, and prepare for everyone the path of guidance and rightness. As for what has passed, we hope that Allah will forgive it, and we advise you to make sincere repentance. And success is from Allah. And may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.