Photographs of Prophet Muhammad and Prophet 'Eesa
Fatwa No: 85530

Question

My friend claims he has a photograph of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. I denied his argument and the photo, but he claims that Christians have photos of Prophet Jesus. Can Prophet Muhammad's photograph exist?

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, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Anyone who claims that he has a photograph of Prophet Muhammad or Jesus is a liar. First, at the time of these beloved prophets, the modern means of photography did not exist and nobody, according to our knowledge, ever drew their pictures during their lives. However, the features of these Prophets are described in the sound Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and Ahaadeeth (narrations). Nevertheless, any attempt to depict them in pictures will fall short of giving an authentic picture of any of them.

Finally, it is not recommended to waste one's time on such a matter.

Allaah Knows best.

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