What is the ruling on photographers entering Qur'an centers to film a lesson given by a female preacher, with them moving among the female attendees to show their images in an episode that will be broadcast on an Islamic satellite channel?
A woman must cover her entire body from non-mahram men. It is not permissible to allow anyone who photographs women with their faces uncovered or to disseminate such images. Sheikh Abd al-Rahman al-Barrak was asked about the ruling on a female caller appearing on television with her hijab, and he replied that the basic principle is that a woman is a fitnah (source of temptation) by her image and voice. Therefore, it is not permissible for her to appear on channels, even if she is veiled, under the pretext of da'wah (preaching) or issuing fatwas (religious edicts), because this necessitates a large number of men listening to her. There is no need for this, as the primary role of da'wah and issuing fatwas belongs to men. A woman should not undertake any of this except among other women. A woman's participation in media leads to religious violations such as going out without necessity, mixing with men, and having her person photographed, which results in corruptions forbidden by the Sharia, as in the verse: "O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate words. And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance." Based on this, it is not permissible for a woman to appear on satellite channels as a da'iyah (preacher), a muftiyah (issuer of fatwas), or a teacher. Rather, her da'wah activity should be confined to women of her own gender in private places designated for women. Advice is directed to those in charge of Islamic channels to fear Allah and not be deceived by the opinions of those who advocate for including women in channels, because that aligns with the whims of modernists.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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