She wants to take photos of herself to track her weight loss
Fatwa No: 132445

Question

Asalamulaikum, I am embarking on a health and fitness regime in order to get rid of unwanted excess weight for medical reasons (I am on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and my doctor advised I lose some weight so I can be fit for the operation InshAllah). I understand that photography in Islam is harram, however, I would like to take pictures of myself during the different stages of my weight loss progress as this will increase my motivation every time I see the changes. What is the fatwa on this matter?
JazakumAllahukhairan

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

The contemporary jurists differed in opinion about the ruling on photographic pictures, and we [in Islamweb] favor the opinion that says that they are permissible. For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 87005, 83020 and 83249.

However, there are many disadvantages for a woman in taking these pictures, not the least of which is that non-Mahram men could see them. Therefore, it is better for you to completely avoid such pictures. You may just look yourself in the mirror or track your weight loss using a balance.

Allaah Knows best.

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