Viewing pictures of animate objects

Question

Whilst the impermissibility of picture-making is known, whether it be digital or not, what is the ruling on looking at such pictures which are not of a haraam nature, for example looking at the picture of a man or a dog, etc. Many a times a person doesn't create pictures himself, but e-mails, etc are forwarded to him with pictures, if he looks at it, is it Haraam/Makrooh/Khilaaf-e-Awlaa or nothing wrong with looking?

Mufti Zakaria Makada · Accepted Answer

The object and purpose of producing a picture is that it be viewed and admired. otherwise there would be no reason for one to produce a picture. Hence we understand that the one who intentionally looks at a picture of an animate object is condoning the action of picture-making. Thus we understand that just as it is impermissible to produce a picture of an animate object, similarly it is impermissible for one to keep it in his possession,  intentionally view it or circulate it.

N.B: Hazrat Mufti Shafee' Saahib (rahmatullah alaih) has mentioned in his kitaab: "Tasweer ke Shari' Ahkaam" (pg. 89)that this ruling (of the impermissibility of intentionally viewing the picture of an animate object)  is categorically recorded in the Maaliki kitaabs and since it conforms to the Usools (principles) of the Hanafi Mazhab, it is accepted. This principle has also been confirmed by 'Allamah Shaami (rahmatullah alaih).

And Allah Ta'ala knows best.

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