Q: I recently came across the following with regards to live broadcasting:
Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) and many other scholars have declared that live broadcastings of images do not fall within the ambit of picture-making (taswir). A picture is something that is permanent and static, whilst the image broadcasted live is not permanent, hence cannot be termed a picture. A live broadcast is in reality a reflection of the actual image, similar to seeing an image in a mirror. Therefore, if an image of a human or animal is broadcasted live, then this does not fall into the unlawful picture-making. It will be permitted to broadcast something live or view a live programme, provided the content of the programme is lawful (halal). (Taqrir Tirmidhi, 2/351) http://www.daruliftaa.com/node/5611
In view of the above:
1. Is it permissible to watch the haramain live channels not on television e.g. YouTube?
2. Is it permissible to watch these channels live from television?
A: All forms of animate pictures are haraam, whether on television or Youtube.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)