Is it permissible to rely on Abu Yusuf's statement regarding the permissibility of looking at images of the vulva reflected in water to argue for the permissibility of looking at nude images, as long as it does not lead to what is forbidden?
Looking at nude pictures is impermissible due to the corruption and arousal of desires that result from it. There is no validity to the statement attributed to Abu Yusuf, nor to differentiating between seeing awrah (private parts) directly or in a picture. The Hanafis have explicitly stated that the prohibition of musaharah (affinity through marriage) is not established by seeing a picture of the private parts in water or a mirror. The opinion that permits looking at nude pictures is weak.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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