What is exempted from the forbidden image-making?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
What is the Shaykh's opinion on the issue of image-making? And what is the Shaykh's opinion if one is photographed without knowing?
Answer:
The original ruling on image-making is forbidden; this is the original ruling regarding image-making. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5362Sahih (Darussalam).
Therefore, image-making is not permissible, neither for remembrance nor for other matters that do not involve dire necessity. However, in cases of dire necessity, such as photographing a person when there is a need for the known national identity document, or a driver's license for a car, which is not issued without it; this is excused due to dire necessity, and it is like being coerced. Likewise, the photographing of gatherings and lectures where further knowledge, good, and merit are expected is a matter of consideration, and I do not know of anyone who forbids it; for the purpose of benefiting Muslims, spreading good among Muslims, and propagating the call, this is a reality for the public benefit.
So if it is permissible for the identity document, the driver's license, and the necessary Western certificate; then the thing that benefits society and benefits Muslims and serves as a means to the guidance of many people and their benefit is more deserving of permissibility; for this noble and great purpose. And for this reason, we have approved it in the sessions of the Association, and in many places for this great benefit. And although I do not like image-making absolutely, and I do not permit it absolutely except for dire necessity as we have heard, and dire necessity is a matter that is needed. Likewise, the photographing of criminals so that they may be warned against and so that they may be arrested if found, and similar needs.
What is the Shaykh's opinion on the issue of image-making? And what is the Shaykh's opinion if one is photographed without knowing?
Answer:
The original ruling on image-making is forbidden; this is the original ruling regarding image-making. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
The most severely punished of people on the Day of Resurrection are the image-makers.
أشد الناس عذابًا المُصورونThe makers of these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them: 'Bring to life that which you have created.'
إنَّ أصحاب هذه الصور يُعذَّبون يوم القيامة ويُقال لهم: أحيوا ما خلقتُمTherefore, image-making is not permissible, neither for remembrance nor for other matters that do not involve dire necessity. However, in cases of dire necessity, such as photographing a person when there is a need for the known national identity document, or a driver's license for a car, which is not issued without it; this is excused due to dire necessity, and it is like being coerced. Likewise, the photographing of gatherings and lectures where further knowledge, good, and merit are expected is a matter of consideration, and I do not know of anyone who forbids it; for the purpose of benefiting Muslims, spreading good among Muslims, and propagating the call, this is a reality for the public benefit.
So if it is permissible for the identity document, the driver's license, and the necessary Western certificate; then the thing that benefits society and benefits Muslims and serves as a means to the guidance of many people and their benefit is more deserving of permissibility; for this noble and great purpose. And for this reason, we have approved it in the sessions of the Association, and in many places for this great benefit. And although I do not like image-making absolutely, and I do not permit it absolutely except for dire necessity as we have heard, and dire necessity is a matter that is needed. Likewise, the photographing of criminals so that they may be warned against and so that they may be arrested if found, and similar needs.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.