The Ruling on Photographing Officials and Publishing Images on Social Media

Question:
This questioner says: I hope my question is presented to the Honorable Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan (may Allah preserve him). He says: Some people use their mobile phones to photograph officials and some individuals who hold authority while they are being discussed or when they make certain mistakes. Then they publish these images on social media or in the media, giving them titles like "So-and-so the Minister" or "So-and-so the Official." This is done to pressure that ministry or to correct the situation with these officials, or as it is called, serving the community and exposing corruption. Is this action prescribed?

Answer:
It is not permissible to take photographs, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — meaning photographing beings with souls, whether humans or others — because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the painters and informed that they would 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 he will be commanded to breathe life into it, but he will not be able to do so. This is only a form of torment for him. Photography is only permissible to the extent of necessity, if there is a security necessity, or a necessity for an ID card, a passport, or something similar. There is no harm in that to the extent of necessity. As for photography for hobby or for memories, this is not permissible. It involves sin and severe torment on the Day of Resurrection. Yes.