What is the ruling on a father photographing his son while the latter is relieving himself or bathing in his childhood, and the father showing these photographs to the rest of the siblings?
Contemporary scholars have differed regarding the ruling on photographic and video imaging of animate beings, and the preponderant opinion is that both are prohibited. If this prohibition includes images of children, even for remembrance or for prayer, then it is all the more reason to prohibit photographing children nude or while relieving themselves. Many have been lenient in this regard, which has led to the circulation of children's photos (especially girls) after they have grown up and married, causing great embarrassment and difficulty in destroying them. Photographing children nude or while relieving themselves combines the prohibition of imaging with the exposure of 'awrah (private parts), and it contradicts modesty and sound human nature. It is obligatory upon parents to destroy these photos immediately, especially those that show children in states that no one should see, while observing the sanctity of looking at 'awrah and considering the children's feelings. Even if it were assumed that imaging is permissible, the parent does not have the right to keep these photos and show them to others after the children have grown up, and what harm or ridicule that might cause. If the parent does not comply, siblings can be asked not to look at these photos.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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