The issue of Pictures of Ulama???

11,920

Brother

346

#1 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd June 2010 14:23

Asslamo Allaikum,

I was talking to a very pious Tableeghi brother today and he asked me “What was happening in Birmingham last week?”

I informed him that there was some conference where a lot of Ulama were invited to speak.

He asked, “Why did the organisers distribute pamphlets with the pictures of these Ulama”?

I said, “I don’t know but what happened?”

He raised a few points:

In his Masjid pamphlets are put inside the Jamaat Khana (prayer hall) for distribution so people pick it up on the way out. He said that this is the first time he saw pictures inside the Masjid so why print pictures when these Ulama are well known?
He was in a Takeaway and two Hijabi girls picked up the pamphlet and started giggling and passing comments about the physical appearances of the Ulama-e-Kiraam and once their food was ready they tossed the pamphlet into the bin and left!
If Ulama have their pictures on pamphlets then what are people supposed to do?

Does he have a point that Islamic pamphlets SHOULD NOT contain pictures of Ulama-e-Kiraam? And it sets a bad example for people? I have really confused this issue, on one hand I see that Ulama need to take a stand and do Dawah using the Media (youtube etc.) and then on the other hand there is really no reason to have pictures on pamphlets.

http://www.askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.php?askid=bb180fcccea710b9db0f4c415186f46d

Jazakullah Khairun

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

There is no Plan B!

http://www.central-mosque.com/

6,700

Brother

945

#2 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd June 2010 16:35

In addition the above, plenty here too:

www.muftisays.com/qa/search/?q=photos+pictures

(you may have to refresh that page if the results show empty)

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

I am not a Mufti

Unspecified

2,521

Sister

2,929

#3 [Permalink] Posted on 24th June 2010 16:10

Even as da'wah on the media there are many many Ulam-e-Kiraam who do not make an appearance..and for one am glad. The reason is that when we talk about the impermissibility of pictures the youth will definitely mention the Ulama on youtube or TV and i'm talking from experience

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

Fragrance of Musk

11,920

Brother

346

#4 [Permalink] Posted on 24th June 2010 17:13

"ummi taalib" wrote:

Asslamo Allaikum,

I am in two minds about this matter. On other hand I think Ulama need to appear on Media to counter the work of Shaytaan but at the same time I see your point very clearly also.

I also see the argument that if Ulama are appearing on Youtube then what difference does it make if their pictures are plastered in Birmingham Takeaways?

I admit I am very confused about the matter and some clear help and guidence would be nice. If I was half-intelligent I would go to a Darul-uloom become an Alim and figure this out myself but I can't.

Another option is to send my kids to the Darul-uloom and take Fatwa from them but thats also a non-option.

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

There is no Plan B!

http://www.central-mosque.com/

Unspecified

2,521

Sister

2,929

#5 [Permalink] Posted on 24th June 2010 19:06

Actually theres no confusion, no pictures, full stop..only an opinion

Why a non option for your kids? IA you can send them...become muftis and 'aalims IA of the Haqq

May i take this opportunity to ask you all to make special du'a for my son. He's graduated as 'alim this year and may Allah accept him for khidmat of His deen and Insh Allah his nikah in 2 weeks. Jazakumullah

report post quote code quick quote reply

+0 -0Ameen x 1

Fragrance of Musk

11,920

Brother

346

#6 [Permalink] Posted on 25th June 2010 10:06

"ummi taalib" wrote:

Actually theres no confusion, no pictures, full stop..only an opinion Why a non option for your kids? IA you can send them...become muftis and 'aalims IA of the Haqq May i take this opportunity to ask you all to make special du'a for my son. He's graduated as 'alim this year and may Allah accept him for khidmat of His deen and Insh Allah his nikah in 2 weeks. Jazakumullah

W-Salam,

Masha'Allah thats super super news.

May Allah (SWT) accept him for the Service of his Deen and make him a coolness of your eyes and give them (both happiness together in this life and the next (Ameen).

report post quote code quick quote reply

+0 -0Ameen x 1

There is no Plan B!

http://www.central-mosque.com/

Unspecified

738

Brother

313

#7 [Permalink] Posted on 25th June 2010 21:32

ummi taalib wrote:

Ameen! May Allah make him a means of guidance for mankind .

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

Unspecified

738

Brother

313

#8 [Permalink] Posted on 25th June 2010 21:39

You might like to have a look at this article ..there is absolutely no difference on picture's ..there is a difference of opinion on live images and CDs with halal content..some say its allowed like Halal event, such as a lecture of a scholar, is played and viewed on a videotape or DVD .

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

There are separate issues relating to picture-making (taswir), hence it would be good to understand each issue separately and the Shariah ruling on it:

1) Drawing/Painting Pictures of Humans and Animals

As it is common knowledge, there are countless Hadiths narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) that strictly prohibit painting pictures of animate objects, for example:

Sayyiduna Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) forbade the keeping of pictures at home and making them." (Sunan Tirmidhi, no: 1749)

Sayyiduna Abu Talha (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Angels (of mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture." (Sahih al-Bukhari, no: 5609)

Due to these and many other similar narrations, most classical scholars are of the opinion that painting and drawing pictures of humans and animals is unlawful and sinful. They state that 'picture-making' (taswir) of human or animal life has been explicitly forbidden by the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and as such it will be sinful. Only Imam Malik (Allah have mercy on him) is reported to have differed with this position of general prohibition.

In one of his narrations, Sayyiduna Imam Malik (Allah have mercy on him), contrary to the other three Imams and most other Mujtahids, is reported to have stated that only those pictures are unlawful that are three-dimensional and have a body to them, such as statues and sculptures. A picture that does not have a body or shadow to it will not be unlawful although somewhat disliked, such as drawing a picture on a paper, cloth or on any other object. This is one of two positions narrated from Imam Malik, with his other position being similar to that of the vast majority of classical scholars.

The position of the vast majority of classical scholars is based on the fact that there is no distinction in the various Hadiths between a tangible and intangible picture. The Hadith indicating the permissibility of intangible and non-solid pictures refers to pictures of other than humans and animals. (See: al-Mugni, 7/7 & Takmila Fath al-Mulhim, 4/155)

Based on this, the reliable and mainstream opinion of the classical jurists is that picture-making is unlawful, whether by painting a picture on an object or making a sculpture. This is the position held by the three main Sunni Schools of Islamic law (i.e. Hanafi, Shafi'i & Hanbali) and also one of two positions related from Imam Malik (Allah have mercy on him). It would be better if one referred to a Maliki Scholar to determine the relied upon (mufta bihi) position of that School. As such, one should avoid drawing/ painting pictures of humans and animals.

2) Photography

In view of the above-mentioned one position of Imam Malik, there is no question with regard to the permissibility of taking photographs, for according to that position, painting pictures of human or animal life on a paper or fabric is allowed, hence camera pictures would hold the same ruling.

However, in view of the mainstream and majority position of classical scholars, the question arises as to whether photos of humans and animals fall under the type of picture-making prohibited by the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) in numerous Hadiths. Camera photos were not in existence when classical scholars were discussing the issue of picture-making, hence one will not find an express ruling regarding photography in their works. As such, it was left to contemporary scholars to determine whether photos held the same ruling as that of painting and drawing pictures.

Contemporary scholars have differed on this issue:

a) The position of the overwhelming majority of Indo-Pak and some Arab scholars is that photographs of human or animal life are not permissible for the very same reasons that paintings of these are not permissible.

They state that the ruling on picture-making does not change by changing the tool with which the picture is produced. Whether an image is produced by painting it or using a camera, as long as it is an image of a human or animal, it will remain unlawful (haram).This is the position of Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani and most of my other teachers. It is, without doubt, the more precautious and arguably stronger opinion.

b) The second position on the issue, held by most Arab Scholars (from all four Madhabs) and some from the Indian Subcontinent, is that there is a difference between photos and the prohibited picture-making (taswir).

Shaykh Muhammad Bakhit al-Muti'i of Egypt, a 2oth Century scholar known for his knowledge and piety, wrote a whole treatise titled al-Jawab al-Shafi fi Ibahat Surat al-Photography in support of this view of permissibility.

His basic understanding is that the reason behind the prohibition of painting pictures (in the words of the Hadith) is challenging Allah in His Creating of living creatures. In camera photos, however, one does not produce an image through one's own imagination; hence one is not challenging the Creating of Allah as such. It is merely a reflection of a living being already created by Allah Most High.

These are the two positions of contemporary scholars on the issue. There are great scholars of knowledge, wisdom and piety on both sides of the fence; hence, it would be wrong to criticize anyone for following any one of these positions.

It is a matter of genuine and valid difference of opinion. It is not an issue where one may condemn another, and one must respect others' right to follow their conscience.

As you have asked about my personal stance, firstly I am by no means in a position of having a 'personal' opinion as such. I follow my teachers and learn from them. I have teachers in the UK and the Subcontinent who prohibit photos, but I also have teachers in the Arab world permitting them.

The position which I follow is that of my teachers who prohibit taking photos, for that is a more precautious and safe position. However, I have complete respect for the position (and practice) of those who permit taking photos.

As such, my practice is that I do not willingly pose for a photo unless there is a genuine need like for a passport or something similar. If I am asked, I politely refuse. At the same time, if someone is taking photos and I am also in attendance going about my own business, I do not go out of my way to prevent him taking my photo. Thus, if you did come across a photo of mine, it is probably because I may have been present in a place where photos were being taken. The recent photo of mine you have referred to was taken in the same context. I had knowledge that photos were being taken and that I may appear in one, but I did not willingly pose for a photo. I hope that makes sense!

3) Live Broadcasting

Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) and many other scholars have declared that live broadcastings of images do not fall within the ambit of picture-making (taswir). A picture is something that is permanent and static, whilst the image broadcasted live is not permanent hence cannot be termed a picture. A live broadcast is in reality a reflection of the actual image, similar to seeing an image in a mirror.

Therefore, if an image of a human or animal is broadcasted live, then this does not fall into the unlawful picture-making. It will be permitted to broadcast something live or view a live programme, provided the content of the programme is lawful (halal). (Taqrir Tirmidhi, 2/351)

4) Video Recording

According to Shaykh Taqi Usmani, that which is recorded in a videotape or DVD is also not considered a picture. In a videotape, the particles of an image are gathered and then re-opened in the same order to view the image. This is the reason why it is not possible to see the picture in the rail of the tape without playing it. (ibid)

Therefore, if a permitted and Halal event, such as a lecture of a scholar, is played and viewed on a videotape or DVD, it will be permitted, Insha Allah.

Note that the above discussion does not in any way relate to watching Television. Watching TV and keeping it at home is another matter altogether, for which a separate answer is needed. The many harms and evils of keeping a TV at home are known to all. This answer only relates to the permissibility of viewing a Halal image through a live broadcast or a videotape/DVD.

Shaykh Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) sums this up in one of his Fatawa:

"The images appearing on live programs or recorded programs on television are not the pictures in the strict sense envisaged in the Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam) unless they are printed in a durable form on paper or on any other object. But the basic reason why Muslims are advised not to keep TV sets in their homes is that most of the programs broadcast on the TV channels contain impermissible elements." (Taken from the al-Balagh website, www.albalagh.net/qa/video_chips.shtml)

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK
www.daruliftaa.com

qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=9334&CATE=15

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

Unspecified

418

Brother

201

#9 [Permalink] Posted on 7th July 2015 08:43

Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri (HA) clarifying stance on photography

Translated By: Mufti Saleem Khan (Student, Darul Iftaa)

A great and terrible fitna of this time is picture taking. Nowadays the sickness of taking photos is very common in social gatherings, conferences and even in the Haramain Sharifayn. This fitna has become so common that no matter how much one tries to save himself from it, he cannot. This sin has become so common that people do not even consider it a sin anymore. This time of fitna has made the bad appear as good.

In Islam, aside from a dire need, photography is prohibited. In the hadith shareef, those that take photos have been severely condemned and upon such people is Allah's curse. Such people will be severely punished on the Day of Judgment [Qiyamah]

Some people have a certain soft spot for pictures of the elders and pious people. Some also keep them close as a source of tabarruk. استغفر الله ، لاحول ولا قوة الا بالله

Remember! It is haram to take and possess photos regardless of whose photos they are and what tool was used to take them. Nowadays using mobile phone cameras has become extremely common. People use their phones to take pictures (of animate things) then send then to one another via WhatsApp. This is a major sin.

Now reverting to the issue at hand.

After explaining the mas'ala in the above mentioned paragraph, I clarify the following:

Last week during the initial days of Ramadan I was blessed with the fortune to go for 'umrah. Coincidentally in Makkah, I was fortunate to meet Peer Zulfiqar Naqshbandi (damat barakatuhu) in Masjid Haram. We were sitting and conversing in the saff when someone without our knowledge took our picture.

After some days upon reaching Madinah I found out that this photo had spread like wildfire through WhatsApp. After returning home from 'umrah, I discovered that some urdu newspapers had also printed that picture and played their part in spreading it. After hearing this I became upset and this incident had a deep effect on me. I cried and made dua to Allah.

Through this article of mine, in clear words I am announcing that I am free from this photo incident. Those people that have taken my picture without my knowledge and those that have circulated it bear the shar'i responsibility of this matter.

They can choose to hide now and refuse to come forward, but on the Plain of Resurrection [Maydan Hashr] they will not be able to hide. On the Plain of Resurrection they will be brought before Allah and it will be said these are the people that bore the burden of your commandment:

والذين يؤذون المؤمنين والمؤمنات بغير ما اكتسبوا فقد احتملوا بهتانا واثما مبينا

(And those who harm believing men and believing women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin).

This humble servant is not attempting to show his virtue or piety, but sees it as his moral responsibility to clarify his position regarding the issue of photography. This humble servant from the mas'ala point of view, regardless of what instrument is used, views photography as haram and impermissible. This is also the view of my cautious elders. If it becomes known that any Islamic gathering, social event, seminar or wedding etc. will entail photography, then this humble servant avoids attending such gatherings.

1. In 1995 the All India Personal Law board held their 12th meeting [ijlaas] in Ahmedabad. I was appointed by my elders as the president [sadr] of the first meeting due to a dearth of (capable) people. At that time this humble servant remained firm upon the path of our elders [akabir] and endeavored to ban photography. My witness for this attitude is Hadhrat Moulana Gulam Muhammad Wastanwi (damat barakatuhu). You may refer to him for further details regarding my stand.

2. A few years ago I participated in a three day seminar (venue: Azamgarh, UP). In the seminar I witnessed photography taking place. I was extremely hurt by this. For two days I was wearing a scarf over my head in order to save myself. However, on the third day my religious honor (deeni ghayrah) flared-up and I openly condemned photography. Thousands of people were witness to this.

3. Two years prior in Khanqah Mahmudiyya (Jami'ah Islamiah Dhabel) on the night of completion of the Qur'an, one person took a photo of the gathering. When this humble servant was told of it, I immediately condemned it and said: Take hold of him, confiscate his camera and break it. The entire gathering was stunned.

I wish to clarify through this that my stance on the issue of photography is and has always been strict. In this article I clearly announce that if anyone has taken my photo without my knowledge, then I distance myself from it. Whomsoever has any photos on their phone or on WhatsApp that were taken recently or in the past, then I ask for the sake of Allah: Please delete them. You will be rewarded by Allah.

I request this clarification of mine to be circulated as much as possible, especially for those who took part in spreading the picture as according to Sharī'ah it is compulsory on them to do so.

report post quote code quick quote reply

+1 -0Informative x 1

hayatalulama.wordpress.com

How to deal with adversaries: From the life of the ulama of Deoband

Unspecified

1,011

Brother

881

#10 [Permalink] Posted on 7th July 2015 10:38

ummi taalib wrote:

View original post

amin to your duas. Could I pleas intrude a bit and ask did he study in Leicester. Could you please encourage him to study further and do takasus in a subject and please not the run of the mill mufti courses that are around these days.

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

london786

Unspecified

1,011

Brother

881

#11 [Permalink] Posted on 7th July 2015 10:45

On a trip to the harmain sharif I have seen first hand the ugly nature of photography even if it is digital. Some people believe it is permissible to take a selfie after a tawaaf etc which is MAYBE fine but seriously I saw a good number of people just doing tawaaf and filming without no dua, zikr, just walking around waving their phone around. The other crazy thing about it is that people go in front of the raudah and are taking selfies without paying any attention to the noble personality who is buried there sallahualahiwasalam who is alive and watching their despicable actions. What is more sad is that you get a lot of these so-called Daees doing the same thing and posting it on twitter, facebook etc. Another major issue is that we are always pushing the limit. Many now feel absolutely no remorse in posting pictures of ladies. Since when can this ever be permissible even in a digital format?

report post quote code quick quote reply

+3 -0Like x 1Winner x 1Informative x 1

london786

Unspecified

616

Brother

528

#12 [Permalink] Posted on 7th July 2015 12:29

and I heard WiFi has been made free there...

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raaji'oon...

Posted via the Muftisays Android App

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

Request Your Sincere and Whole hearted dua in my favour.

جَزَاكُمُ ٱللَّهُ خَيرًا

London

27,571

Brother

9,601

#13 [Permalink] Posted on 7th July 2015 12:49

ibn Ismail wrote:

View original post

Correct, in the courtyards out side, not in the Mataf area

report post quote code quick quote reply

+1 -0Informative x 1

Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended.
ابو محمد

Unspecified

1,012

Brother

466

#14 [Permalink] Posted on 10th July 2015 20:36

shining light wrote:

View original post

You mean there is no difference of opinion among Deobandis with regards to pictures . From the article you posted you can that there IS A difference of opinion among scholars from various schools regarding photographs of people.

report post quote code quick quote reply

No post ratings

Concerned

11,920

Brother

346

#15 [Permalink] Posted on 11th July 2015 11:06

Concerned wrote:

View original post

The issue isn't about pictures but about taking pictures against an individual's permission and consent when he detests it.

This is immoral, unethical and plain Haram!

Posted via the Muftisays Android App

report post quote code quick quote reply

+1 -0Like x 1

There is no Plan B!

http://www.central-mosque.com/

The issue of Pictures of Ulama???

Font Size

Font Weight