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What is the ruling on photography, and does the sin fall only on the photographer? What is the ruling on a woman performing Tarawih prayers in a mosque where there are innovations? And what is the ruling on praying in a mosque built on usurped land?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Contemporary scholars have differed concerning photographic imagery due to its non-existence in the time of the early Imams. Many of them have permitted it if there is a need for it, such as personal photos for a passport or a driver's license. Among these scholars are Ibn Baz, Al-Albani, and the Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas.

Others, such as Ibn Uthaymeen and Al-Qaradawi, have permitted it absolutely, as long as it does not lead to something unlawful, like polytheism or indecency.

If it is deemed impermissible, then both the photographer and the one who requested the photograph are sinful.

As for praying in a mosque where there are some non-disbelieving innovations, it is permissible according to the preponderant opinion, bearing in mind that it is better for a woman to pray in her home.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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