Key Rulings Related to the Images of Living Beings
Fatwa No: 516592

Question

I've used three types of filters on my phone wich adds eyelashes, make-up or which distorts facial features. I saw that the third type was banned, and I'd like to know about the other two.Do I have to delete. my selfies from my phone if they contain them? What should I do if my friends and family have photos of me like this?And put a like this kind of pictures in social media?Is the judgement the same as for someone who draws human beings ? Similary is it shirk if I keep them ?

Answer

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

We will respond to what has been mentioned in the question in the following points:

First Point: There is a difference of opinion regarding the ruling on photographic images of living beings. The opinion we adopt is that such images are permissible, and there is no harm in editing them using filters or software that alter facial features. It is also permissible to keep these images on one’s phone.

Second Point: You are not required to ask your family or friends to remove such images unless there is a real concern that they may fall into the hands of non-Mahram (marriageable) men.

Third Point: If images posted on social media are of a prohibited nature according to Islamic teachings, then liking them or reacting positively to them may be considered as approving of something forbidden, thus we do not consider this to be permissible. However, if the images are permissible, then there is no harm in liking them.

Fourth Point: Drawing living beings is also a matter of scholarly disagreement, but the preponderant view in our opinion is that it is not allowed.

Fifth Point: Keeping prohibited images or any similar content is not considered an act of Shirk (associating partners with Allah).

Lastly, we also advise caution regarding intrusive thoughts (Waswas), especially those related to disbelief and Shirk, as such thoughts can have harmful consequences on the individual.

Allah knows best.

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