Taking a photograph for the purpose of obtaining a passport for Hajj, and the criterion for dire necessity.

Al-Halabi : He saysThe questioner : If you are convinced that jihad in the lands of the Afghans is an individual obligation; is it permissible for me to obtain a passport, knowing that it includes a photograph? And it is well known.

The Shaykh : Pardon me, pardon me; is it permissible for me to what?

The questioner : To obtain a passport?

The Shaykh : To do what?
Al-Halabi : Yes, regarding obtaining a passport, knowing that it includes a photograph, and it is well known that most scholars have not permitted image-making except in cases of dire necessity. Is image-making considered a dire necessity here? And what is the criterion for dire necessity?

The Shaykh : If he considers Hajj to be an individual obligation; what dire necessity is stronger than that?
Abu Layla : Jihad.

The Shaykh : Pardon me, it is jihad, so this is undoubtedly a dire necessity beyond any other.
Al-Halabi : And the criterion for dire necessity? As a general rule?

The Shaykh : "It is that which a person is not permitted to do except to perform it."
Al-Halabi: Yes.