Is it permissible to photograph living beings, and is hanging pictures lawful or unlawful, and what is the Shar’i (Islamic legal) response to Nasr Abu Zayd’s statement that the culture of prohibiting the drawing of people and animals was not prevalent in ancient Islamic culture?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The general rule for pictures of animals and all animate beings is prohibition. However, scholars have permitted photographic images that are needed for identification documents. As for hanging pictures, it is forbidden for fear of exaggeration and glorification of their subjects. It has been authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded the effacement of statues and images. This destruction is not exclusive to the era of Islam's strength; rather, it is continuous, as polytheism can occur in any age.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/89261
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 89261
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy