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.
A: The object and purpose of producing a picture is that it be viewed and admired. Otherwise there would be no reason for one to produce a picture. Hence we understand that the one who intentionally looks at a picture of an animate object is in actual fact condoning the action of picture-making. In regard to picture making, the law of Shari'ah is that pictures of all animate objects are declared forbidden and haraam in Islam. Severe warnings have been sounded in the Ahaadith for the one who has any involvement in this grave sin. Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
عن عبد الله قال سمعت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول إن أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة المصورون (بخاري 2/880)
“Undoubtedly, the people subject to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamah are those involved in picture-making.”
Therefore, just as it is impermissible to produce a picture of an animate object, similarly it is impermissible for one to keep the picture in his possession, intentionally view it or circulate it and share it with others.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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