Pictures & Videos

Q: Is it permissible to take a picture of yourself but exclude your face from the picture?

Q: I recently came across the following with regards to live broadcasting:

Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) and many other scholars have declared that live broadcastings of images do not fall within the ambit of picture-making (taswir). A picture is something that is permanent and static, whilst the image broadcasted live is not permanent, hence cannot be termed a picture. A live broadcast is in reality a reflection of the actual image, similar to seeing an image in a mirror. Therefore, if an image of a human or animal is broadcasted live, then this does not fall into the unlawful picture-making. It will be permitted to broadcast something live or view a live programme, provided the content of the programme is lawful (halal). (Taqrir Tirmidhi, 2/351) http://www.daruliftaa.com/node/5611

In view of the above:

1. Is it permissable to watch the haramain live channels not on television e.g. YouTube? 

2. Is it permissable to watch these channels live from television?

Q: Photography is prohibited in Islam. But we have to bring photographs for passports and to submit forms, what to do?

Q: A close friend of mine informed me that it is haraam to read Harry Potter books and watch the movies. I always watch them with family because they don’t contain any sexual remarks and such things. Are they indeed haraam?

Q: My question concerns the modern day sharing of females' pictures and videos on different social media platforms. What is the Shariah ruling regarding the matter?

Note that those things are already viewable by general public and are not obscene, I just intend to share any video or picture I like for educational/humorous or other beneficial purpose. 

Q: If I am reading a book and there is a human picture, will looking at it be sinful? If I am outside and see a picture on a billboard is it haraam to look at? If someone wants to show me a picture of a potential spouse is it haraam to look at? I do not want to incur sin, so please advise me.

Q: Is it permistable to use bedding, curtains or a cushion with a butterfly on it with no eyes or face?

Q: I do art embroidery. Will it be acceptable for me to embroider the image of an animal or insect e.g. a cat, but with the face covered?

Q: I am a 14 year old boy. I would like to know if it is permissible to watch football (I watch it twice a week) and use Facebook because I heard that on the judgement day I will be asked about what I did as a youth so I would like some advice that would help me prepare.

Q: Is film acting allowed in Islam. For women it is clear, they do gunah because they are not in hijab. But what about the men who play different roles in the drama serials. Are they not doing gunah. Please explain this matter.