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Is Photography Haram?

Quick answer Scholars differ

Most contemporary scholars allow photography, seeing a photo as capturing an existing image rather than creating one. Some scholars restrict photos of people and animals to what is needed. Photos that are indecent or used for worship are haram for all.

Also asked as: “Are photos haram in Islam?” · “Is taking pictures haram?”

The debate

Hadith prohibit making images of living beings. Scholars differ on whether a camera image is the same as a drawn or sculpted image.

Photographs and images

The debate about images comes from hadith that warn image-makers. Early scholars applied them to statues and drawings, and modern scholars have debated whether a camera, which records an existing scene, falls under them.

Most contemporary scholars permit photography for ID, family memories, documents and education. Portraits displayed with reverence are discouraged by some.

Written and checked by

Hafiz Nasir Mehmood

Quran HafizIslamic researcher

Last reviewed 2026-11-01. How we write these answers · Suggest a correction

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