BENEFIT 424: Videography is the worst form of Tasweer

Question: What is the ruling on video recording? We request a concise answer so we can present other questions as well. Sheikh Al-Albāni raḥimahullāh: We have also discussed this issue in various gatherings in some of the countries we visited in the Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia). In summary, video recording is the worst form of image-making (taswīr), as the prohibition of images in the Shari'ah is based on two primary reasons. The first is imitation, as mentioned in some authentic hadiths: “Those who imitate the creation of Allāh.” The second reason is that images and statues were a cause for idol worship among pre-Islamic nations. This is referenced in Sūrah Nuh, peace be upon him, where Allāh the Exalted says: “And they said, ‘Do not abandon your gods; do not abandon Wadd, nor Suwa’, nor Yaghuth, and Ya‘uq, and Nasr.’” According to the books of Tafsir that rely on transmitted narrations, these five were righteous servants of Allāh. Over time, Shayṭān inspired to their people to carve statues of them as a means of commemorating their virtues—similar to what we sadly see today in some Muslim countries, where statues of leaders are erected in public squares in their memory. As time passed, through Shayṭān’s whispering, these statues came to be worshipped besides Allāh. Thus, Allāh sent the Prophet Nuh to call them back to the worship of Allāh alone, but they refused and urged one another not to abandon their idols, as mentioned in the Āyah. Therefore, in principle, there is no difference between hand-drawn images, photographic images, or videos—they all fall under the same ruling. In fact, video is even more severe in terms of its imitation of Allāh’s creation. For example, the idols they used to carve were lifeless and motionless; images on walls or curtains are similarly still. Even such static images were condemned by the Prophet ﷺ. When he entered upon Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and saw a curtain with images on it, he said: “The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Judgment are those who imitate the creation of Allāh.” If that was the case for static images, then how much more severe would it be for moving images—such as videos—where the figure appears lifelike, as if it were a real person created by Allāh? For this reason, video is considered more severely prohibited than any previous form of image-making prior to the invention of this device. As you know, the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ cursed all image-makers, saying: “Allāh has cursed the image-makers,” and also, “Every image-maker is in the Fire,” and, “Angels do not enter a house in which there is an image or a dog.” This is a concise summary in response to the question. __ Related benefit ⤵️ https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/660