Ruling on photographing natural landscapes
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The fifth and final question in the letter from the listener (S. L. Y), a Sudanese resident in Iraq, states: What is the ruling on the act of taking photographs with a camera inside the house, or of scenes of trees, as a memento between me and my family only? Is that permissible or not? Please inform us, may Allah reward you.
Answer: Photography, in principle, of beings with souls is a reprehensible matter; this is the original ruling. Photography of beings with souls, whether from among the children of Adam or from among animals, is not permissible; due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the authentic hadith:Sahih Muslim 2109a And in the other wording, he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5362Sahih (Darussalam) And Jabir narrated in the authentic hadith that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): Sahih al-Bukhari 2086 And there are many hadiths in this meaning, so photography is not permissible for beings with souls.
As for photographing trees, mountains, cars, and ships, there is nothing wrong with that. Likewise, if there is a need for a picture, such as a person who wants a memory and it does not come to him except through a picture, there is nothing wrong with it for the sake of severe need, so he is compelled. Similarly, if the one in authority sees the photographing of criminals so that they can be investigated, and so that their evil can be avoided, or for legal reasons that necessitate it for the benefit of the Muslims, there is nothing wrong with that. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you.
Answer: Photography, in principle, of beings with souls is a reprehensible matter; this is the original ruling. Photography of beings with souls, whether from among the children of Adam or from among animals, is not permissible; due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the authentic hadith:
the most grievously tormented people on the Day of Resurrection would be the painters of pictures
أشد الناس عذاباً يوم القيامة المصورونThe 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.'
إن أصحاب هذه الصور يعذبون يوم القيامة، ويقال لهم: أحيوا ما خلقتمreceiving or giving Riba, (usury), and cursed the picture-makers.
لعن آكل الربا، وموكله، ولعن المصورAs for photographing trees, mountains, cars, and ships, there is nothing wrong with that. Likewise, if there is a need for a picture, such as a person who wants a memory and it does not come to him except through a picture, there is nothing wrong with it for the sake of severe need, so he is compelled. Similarly, if the one in authority sees the photographing of criminals so that they can be investigated, and so that their evil can be avoided, or for legal reasons that necessitate it for the benefit of the Muslims, there is nothing wrong with that. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.