Q: There is a website that provides live streaming from the cameras within Makkah and Medina Shareef. Other than this live streaming, no other content is shown. I understand there is a difference of opinion in this matter, so I am uncertain as it will be permissible to view it.
A: All pictures of animate objects are haraam (forbidden) in Islam. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
إن أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة المصورون (صحيح البخاري 2/880 ، صحيح لمسلم 2/201)
Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamat. (Bukhari 2/880, Muslim 2/201)
The process adopted in live video streaming is no different to any other conventional picture. The only difference is that it is being captured and reproduced in such quick succession through modern day technology that one feels that one is watching it as it's happening, whereas this is not the case.
For a detailed explanation on this topic, refer to our kitaab “Photography and Modern Challenges.”
And Allah Ta'ala knows best.
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