Is it forbidden to take commemorative photographs of people and family, and does the Hadith "The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection are the image-makers" apply to photography, or does it refer to idol makers?

Scholars have differed concerning the ruling on photographing animate beings. Some have forbidden it, considering it akin to prohibited forms of imaging, while others have permitted it on the basis that it is not imaging in the sense known at the time of revelation, but rather the capturing of an eye's shadow, not an imitation of Allah's creation.

Those who prohibit it argue that the reasons for prohibition are manifold, including: 1. That photography is a means of attachment to images and exaggerated veneration of their subjects, leading to their worship besides Allah, as happened to previous nations. 2. That taking images of animate beings unnecessarily constitutes an imitation of disbelievers who worship them besides Allah. 3. That images prevent angels from entering a house, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, angels do not enter a house in which there is an image."

Therefore, it appears that the view prohibiting the photographic imaging of animate beings, unless compelled by necessity or an urgent need, has strong grounds. Absolute permissibility is not safe, because those who permit it have relied solely on the argument of imitation, whereas there are other reasons. Accordingly, it is advisable not to take such photographs to avoid disagreement and to safeguard one's religion, especially since photographing family members may include women, which could lead to a Sharia (definition)-related prohibition if seen by non-mahram (definition) men.