Can modern technologies such as television cameras, recording devices, and medical analysis tools be used as a substitute for the testimony of four witnesses in proving crimes of adultery and rape, and as a substitute for witnesses in other crimes like theft?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Modern technical means cannot be used as evidence to prove adultery, due to the possibility of forgery and alteration of facts, and because has stipulated four witnesses to prove adultery, in order to protect honor. It is not permissible to deviate from this. Furthermore, their use requires espionage, which is forbidden by Sharia. As for other crimes, such as theft, the matter is less severe, but these devices do not provide certainty; rather, they are circumstantial evidence that strengthens the accusation, and no Sharia-prescribed punishment (had) can be established based on them.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/59922
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 59922
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy