Taking Pictures Of Animate Objects In An Obscure Manner For A Muslim School Magazine
Question
A Muslim school publishes a yearly school magazine.
1) Is there any permissibility to produce learners photos / class photos, work or events related in the magazine?
2) Is it permissible to shoot a photo where learners faces are shot from a far angle where the pic is obscure and not clearly depicted?
Kindly advise if there is any permissibility or exceptions at all.
Answer
The impermissibility of drawing animate pictures or taking photographs (irrespective of the devise used to take such pictures) is clearly understood from the Ahadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and the textual references of the jurists. In fact, there are severe warnings quoted in the Ahadith for drawing animate objects and taking photos. Yes, one may take a photograph due to necessity such as when applying for an identity document, passport, visa, etc.
However, in the scenario mentioned in your query there is absolutely no necessity to take pictures or photos. Therefore, it will not be permissible to take photographs of animate objects for the magazine irrespective of whether the photos are taken from close range and clearly visible or taken from a distance causing it to be obscure.
- Approved by
- Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
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