BENEFIT 279: How to Deal With Relatives Who Do Not Understand the Severity of Tasweer

Question: How should a student of knowledge interact with family members who do not understand the evidences prohibiting Tasweer? Sheikh Abdulhameed Az-Zu'kari ḥafidhahullāh: The student should engage with them through patience, advice, kindness, and supplication. He should offer sound advice, and if they do not accept it from him, he should provide scholarly advices and continue to dispel doubts and clarify misunderstandings. Common people are often unaware, either due to limited understanding or because they are overwhelmed by conflicting views, especially when they observe that while you tell them that images are forbidden, they see others who are more knowledgeable, reputable, and esteemed may appear on television and in images. For instance, many of those who publish the works of Sheikh Al-Albani, may Allāh have mercy on him, include his picture, and the same goes for those publishing the works of Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, who may include his image and even video recordings, as well as those who share the works of Sheikh Ibn Baz, Sheikh Al-Fawzan, Sheikh Al-Luhaidan, and other scholars held in high regard by the public. Therefore, they may question, 'Who are you to prohibit Tasweer when such respected scholars appear in photos or videos?' Whatever the case, a person should be gentle and clarify that the ultimate proof lies in the words of Allāh and His Messenger ﷺ, and that Allāh cursed the image-makers of the upon the tongue of His Prophet. Furthermore, while Sheikh Ibn Baz, for example, may have appeared on television, he ruled against Tasweer except for a legitimate purpose that he believed served the public interest, such as conveying the message of religion. With such an approach, Allāh Almighty may guide and enlighten them. There is also a treatise written by Umm Hayaat Al-Amreekiyyah (1), which I wrote a forward to while I was in the Kingdom, and she published it at one point. It includes extensive clarifications to resolve many misconceptions surrounding Tasweer. Similarly, our brother Sheikh Faisal has delivered a lecture in which he elaborated on this matter in depth (2). ____ (1) https://t.me/ummhyatt (2) https://t.me/madrasatuna/3330