Taking a photograph of oneself for the purpose of marriage
Fatwa No: 91914

Question

I am trying to not to take photograph as a matter of restriction in Islam. As the photography is prohibited in Islam. There is girl search for me in India, because I am working in Saudi Arabia, my home people asking me to send my latest Photograph. Is that permitted for me to take a snap in style and send it? Another question is I am working in the IT field sometimes my users will ask me to show how to take scan of photos, take print out of photographs. Is that permitted for me to do that kind of work, as this activities fall under my duties occasionally? Please give me clear answer.

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. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

The scholars differed in opinion with regard to photographic pictures of animate objects, some permitted them and some prohibited them. However, those who prohibited them, permitted them in case of necessity, like for the purpose of education, research and other permitted objectives. Taking a photograph of yourself so that the girl whom you want to be engaged with sees you is a religious objective, so we do not see any harm in this. There is also no harm for you to help the people who want to scan photographic pictures for the purpose of education and other noble objectives, provided that these pictures are not forbidden, like pictures of women who are not properly dressed and other things which are forbidden to take a picture of. 

Allaah Knows best.

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