Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Question:

asalaamu alaikum mufti,
Alhamdulillah ,Muslims all over the world are trying to spread Islam and may Allah bless them for their efforts .
there is one effort in particular called world hijab day which tries to educate non Muslims about the hijab … groups of Muslims in schools and universities are trying to educate our people here in Trinidad and Tobago and my wife wanted to get involved in it however she has some concerns
1) pictures of successful Muslim women are being used to promote this on the internet and flyers …
2) women are the main drivers here where they interview members of the public both men and women

I read your article on pictures being haram but is there any cases where these may be permissible for e.g. promotion of an Islamic scholar coming to our shores and having a flyer with their face on it and also are women allowed to speak to men for the purpose of spreading Islam …

Jazaak Allah.

Answer:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

The Ahadith regarding the prohibition of pictures are very clear on the subject. Based on these, the Jurists and Scholars have all stated that taking out pictures are totally haram. Only in cases of necessity and when it is a requirement of the law will it be allowed to take out pictures, like that of ID cards, driver’s permit, passport etc.

Taking out pictures to promote an Islamic Scholar is not a necessity, hence, it will be haram to do so. Promoting a lecturer can be done effectively without a photograph. Similarly, having pictures of Muslim women on flyers, internet, etc. is totally haram and sinful. This is more severe than that of the pictures of men.

It is not permissible for Muslim women to interview men (Muslim or non Muslim).

It should be noted that promoting and propagating Islam is highly encouraged. However, these must be done in accordance to the sacred teachings of the Shariah.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

18/2/2014