Is drawing or photographing living beings with a camera considered an act of polytheism (shirk)?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
"Photography itself is not polytheism (). However, it can be a means to polytheism, especially if the photos are of individuals glorified by people, such as scholars, righteous individuals, and rulers. Polytheism began among people through images and statues, as happened with Noah's people when they erected statues of righteous men. These statues were then worshipped after knowledge became scarce and the first generation passed away, confirming His (Allah's) saying: (And they said: 'Do not abandon your gods, and do not abandon Wadd, nor Suwa', nor Yaghuth, nor Ya'uq, and Nasr') [Noah / 23]."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 23692
- Imported
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