Pictures & Videos

Q: My uncle passed away yesterday. His daughter and uncles younger brother stay out of the country and for them it was not possible to reach before the funeral hence for the last dedaar ( viewing the face) video calling was made just to show the face of my uncle to his daughter and brother. No photographs/ video was saved of the janaza only video calling was done for 3-5 minutes. The same was also confirmed with the maulana who was present. It was just use of technology for showing the face of the expired person to his loved ones who could not reach on time. I would like to know if this act was permissible or was anything wrong done?

Q: My wife and I agreed that we will not take photos of the baby and send it for friends and family. But she has sent pictures of the baby, neck down to family just to show them what clothes the baby is wearing etc. Is this acceptable?

Q: I know that pictures are not allowed in Islam , but does this include silhouettes of animals?

Q: Is taking and looking at pictures of fish permissible? This has become widespread with many Muslim fishermen and ulama taking pictures of what fish they caught.

Q: Can one say aamin to prayers offered on arafat day while watching it live on television?

Q: One of my friends gave me a pirated software to edit my youtube videos which are PG and send good examples and make people laugh. I got a lot of people and a big audience who are subscribed and liked my videos and tend to support me and watch more. But I did all of this using two pirated software that are really expensive. My family can afford it but don't want to waste their money. I said Wallahi when I grow up I will pay for the software with my future job. So should I stop getting fame and audience or is this all haram because of the software I use to make my videos. Youtube wanted to pay but I said no until I can buy the software. Their are millions of places on the Internet you can get this software for free. Well to be honest I am not the one giving it for free I am just a receiver. The one who made it for free he gave it to me so I don't think it is haram if I use it.

Q: Why is going to the movies haraam?

Q: I would like to know if a little girl has a soft doll, what is required so it will be fine to keep it (i.e. the angels of mercy will enter the house):

- Is it fine to just cover the eyes with a strip of cloth?

- Should the whole face be covered with a piece of cloth?

Please Mufti Sahib advise what can be done.

Q: I have a few questions regarding photos and videos. Is taking pictures and videoing allowed in Islam? By pictures and videos I mean normal pictures and videos by phone or camera. Pictures and videos in special events such as wedding, party etc or in a normal day? If it is not allowed, will we be punished for doing it? If I die and I have my videos or pictures in this world, will I be forgiven or punished? Also can I perform namaz in a room or place where there are framed pictures of my family or myself? Will my namaaz be accepted if I pray in such a place? Can I perform namaz in a place where there are pictures behind me not where I am facing?

Q: Is taking pictures haraam?