Ruling concerning hanging and possessing pictures
Question: What is the ruling concerning hanging a picture on a wall? What is the ruling concerning owning pictures of people?
Response: It is not allowed to hang a picture or keep a picture of any being that possesses a soul. It is obligatory to destroy such pictures. This is because the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) told 'Alee:
"Do not leave any image, but [instead] efface it."
It is also confirmed in the hadeeth of Jaabir that:
"The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) prohibited having pictures in houses."
Therefore, all pictures meant for remembrance should be torn to pieces or burned. However, pictures that are needed out of necessity, such as for official identification purposes and so forth, may be kept.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa al-Mar.ah
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 Fataawa, 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
http://www.islamicboard.com/fiqh/48320-taking-pictures.html
