CREED  | Pictures and photographs |

Having picture taken out of necessity

Question: A questioner mentions that he has not applied for citizenship because of his disliking having his picture taken, since he has heard pictures are haraam. Now he is in dire need of applying for citizenship and (therefore) asks if it is permissible for him to have his picture taken so as to apply for citizenship as he is in dire need of it?

Response: The basic rule regarding taking pictures, carrying them and preserving them is that it is haraam. This is because the Peophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) cursed the one who made pictures. However if a person is forced to apply for citizenship (as a result of his) daily activities so that he can travel from one area to another, or he has been offered a job and now it rests upon him having his picture taken, it is permissible for him to have his picture taken out of necessity only.

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts, comprising -

Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz;

Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;

Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Ghudayyaan;

Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu'ood

Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 1, Page 718, Fatwa No.1377

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Published: 13 May 2001