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May a male work as a photoshoot stylist for a male model?

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Askimam.org

I am male, Is it permissible for me to work on a fashion photoshoot as a stylist with a male model ?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

You did not specify your role as a photoshoot stylist for a male model. According to our understanding from the research of related links, you will be selecting the clothing and accessories of the male model for published editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and any public appearances made by celebrities, models or other public figures.[1].  For this, you will need to consult  many lookbooks, contact PR’s and showrooms in order to pull the suitable outfits for the model.[2]

It is understood from the general job profile of a stylist that your job may entail some violations of Shariah; for example, an endeavor to promote the latest styles which generally are contrary to the Sunnah attire, and in some cases, even contrary to the permissible attire. This is clearly understood from gleaning the attire of models and celebrities.

Furthermore, the promotion of the adopted style will require the association of print and electronic media to advertise the stylist models. Photography of animate objects is strictly forbidden.

It does not behove a Muslim to adopt a profession that drives him away from the spirit of Shariah. Indulging in a profession which involves the company of celebrities, models, immoral environments, etc. will have a negative impact on our spiritual lives.[3] We therefore advise against working as a photoshoot stylist for a male model. Seek a different profession which is in conformity to the dictates of Shariah. Inshallah, you will be rewarded for your sacrifice and your income will have barakah and the blessings of Allah.[4]

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

AbdulMannan Nizami

Student Darul Iftaa
Chicago, IL, USA

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

www.daruliftaa.net


[1] http://www.allaboutstyling.net/what-does-a-fashion-stylist-do.php

 

A stylist is a creative position who usually collaborates with the clients, photographer, art director, makeup artist to come up with the visual concept of the project. It’s their job to make the people and also the clothing and accessories look their very best in the shot.  Most stylist’s are personally stylish themselves while some just wear black for practicality.

http://alexandrastylist.com/define-stylists-what-do-they-really-do

[2] http://searchingforstyle.com/2011/04/fashion-101-what-does-a-stylist-do/

 

Once all the clothing and accessories are chosen, the stylist needs to make sure they get to the shoot safely (which can be quite a drama if the shoot is very far away, and requires 5 suitcases of clothing to be flown halfway across the world.) On the day of the shoot, the stylist needs to make sure the garments are photo-ready (ironed, clean, etc…) and will also be responsible for choosing the outfits the model wears, and arranging them on the model as the photographs get taken (they make sure the item isn’t hanging funny, creased, un-tucked, etc…) Styling also involves the “style” of the outfit: is the top falling off the shoulder, is the shirt half tucked in, are the socks scrunched down by the ankles… These are all very important elements in a photoshoot. This same role can apply to TV commercials, music videos, or even film and television (although then we are getting into wardrobe positions, which is a slightly different story.) They also assist in many editorial photo shoots.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wardrobe_stylist

[3] سنن الترمذي ت بشار (4/ 167)

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَامِرٍ، وَأَبُو دَاوُدَ، قَالاَ: حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ قَالَ: حَدَّثَنِي مُوسَى بْنُ وَرْدَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: الرَّجُلُ عَلَى دِينِ خَلِيلِهِ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِلُ.

هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ

A man is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.

[4] [فتاوی محمودیة، کتاب الحظر والاباحة، ج۱۹، ص٤٢٧، فاروقیة]

This answer was collected from Askimam.org, which is operated under the supervision of Mufti Ebrahim Desai from South Africa.

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