Is it forbidden to look at pictures of animate beings on mobile phones and televisions, and does looking at them lead to forgetting the memorized Qur’an, and is one who approves of it like one who commits it, and is it prohibited like forbidden acts, or is it a matter of differing opinions, and is one who allows others to take pictures with his devices or those under his responsibility sinful?

Photographic and video imaging is a matter of scholarly dispute, with the preponderant opinion being its permissibility. However, it is advisable to avoid what is not necessary, as a way out of the disagreement. Viewing images of living beings in videos and on television is permissible, even according to the opinion that prohibits imaging absolutely, unless it includes something forbidden by شرع (Islamic law). There is no evidence that viewing such images causes one to forget the memorized Quran, unless they contain something forbidden. There is no denouncement in matters of recognized scholarly disagreement, but mutual advice is permissible. Whoever believes imaging is forbidden is not obligated to accept its practice by others, and may remain silent about it. It is not permissible for one who believes imaging is forbidden to enable anyone to do it, whether by allowing them to perform it or by using her devices for it.