Dar-ul-uloom issues fatwa against photography

According to Dar-ul-uloom sources, four clerics—including in-charge of fatwa department Mufti Habiburrehman, Mufti Zenulislam, Mufti Memood and Mufti Zafirudiin—have ruled that photography, including clicking someone or posing for a picture is illegal under Shariat. They said photography could not be legalised only because it was so commonly used.

Another Mufti from Dar-ul-uloom Deoband, Mohammad Arif Qasmi, while talking to The Indian Express, said Islam did not permit photography and it should be avoided. He, however, said in case of necessity photographs could be taken and used. “If someone goes on Haj or wants to take admission then photography is permitted,” said Qasmi.

In case of marriage, function or tour, photography is anti-Shariat. He said there was nothing new in the fatwa as it had been given several times.

The fatwa was issued in response to a question on photography from a Mufti and in-charge of the Vishawa Mahila Shanti Mission, an Assam-based social organisation.

The fatwa has come at a time when one lakh Muslims in the country are preparing for the Haj pilgrimage and have passports with photo.

Countries like Saudi Arabia have allowed photography and their governments have issued identity cards and passports with photos to their nationals.

Meanwhile, a member of the Shariat Court and President of Uttar Pradesh Imam Organisation, Mufti Zulfikar, has said despite photography being illegal under Shariat law, it cannot be avoided as it is commonly used.