What is your opinion regarding the distinction between "taking a picture" and "creating an image," and does the ruling of prohibition apply to "taking a picture," which is merely a reflection of what Allah Almighty has created, and not a new creation?

Generally, our fatwas indicate a difference of opinion among contemporary scholars regarding the issue of photography with a camera. We mention the view that permits it and sometimes favor it, while at other times we favor the other view. We have previously mentioned the reasons for the difference in preferring one over the other. Both opinions are valid, and the disagreement in this matter is permissible.