Can I take photos of the mosques in Makkah and Madinah?

Answer:

In the name of Allah the beneficent, the Kind

In principle taking photos of these blessed constructs is allowed in Islam as they are buildings which do not posses a soul. However, under the Saudi Arabian law which governs the two blessed cities photography of the Masjid’s is strictly prohibited. One must also take note of the fact that both the Masjids are always occupied with people and whilst taking such photos (if one wishes to break the law of Saudi Arabia) there is a high possibility of including the people as well, which is Haram.

Thus in my own humble opinion it is not recommended to take the photos of the two Harams which incorporate people and passers-by. It is also possible that such pictures once taken could be abused and disrespected if they fell into the wrong hands. The Kabah and many others parts of the two Harams also contain Quranic verses which will be included in the photos which again fortifies the aforementioned point.

Nevertheless, if the pictures do not include people or is from such a distance that the figures are burled beyond recognition then it is permissible.

It is narrated from Sa`id bin Abu Al-Hasan:

While I was with Ibn `Abbas a man came and said, “O father of `Abbas! My sustenance is from my manual profession and I make these pictures.”

Ibn `Abbas said, “I will tell you only what I heard from Rasulullah. I heard him saying, ‘Whoever makes a picture will be punished by Allah till he puts life in it, and he will never be able to put life in it.’ “Hearing this, that man heaved a sigh and his face turned pale. Ibn `Abbas said to him, “What a pity! If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees and any other unanimated objects.” (Bukhari 3.428)

And Allah knows best
20th September 2005

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Mufti Abubakr Karolia
Batley, U.K
Founder of the “Islamic Foundation for Theology and Research” (I.F.T.A.R)