BENEFIT 215: The prevalence of a prohibited matter does not render it permissible

Question: The affliction of Tasweer via video, cinema, and similar practices, has become widespread. Do you have any guidance on this matter, and do you acknowledge that this is a widespread affliction? Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah responded: Undoubtedly, this affliction has become widespread. However, the prevalence of an affliction does not render a prohibited matter permissible. Drinking alcohol and committing adultery have also become widespread in many countries, but this does not serve as an excuse. It is obligatory to avoid what Allah has prohibited, EVEN IF MANY PEOPLE ENGAGE IN IT. It is also obligatory to adhere to what Allah has commanded, EVEN IF MANY PEOPLE NEGLECT IT. What is paramount is to follow the truth, EVEN IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE doing so. If everyone on earth abandons prayer, you must not abandon it. If they engage in adultery, you must not commit it. If they drink alcohol, you must not drink it. If they are disrespectful to their parents, you must not do so. People are not an excuse, as Allah, the Almighty, says: {وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِي الأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللهِ} "And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the path of Allah." [Al-An'am 6:116] He also says: {وَقَلِيلٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِيَ الشَّكُورُ} "And few of My servants are grateful." [Saba' 34:13] and: {وَمَا أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ} "And most of the people, although you strive [for it], are not believers." [Yusuf 12:103] It is obligatory for a Muslim to follow the truth and adhere to it, even if its followers are few, and to beware of falsehood and avoid it, even if its adherents are many. This is the obligation upon a Muslim. Tasweer falls under this category; it is prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ said: ((أشد الناس عذاباً يوم القيامة المصورون)) 'The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers' [Bukhari and Muslim]. He also said: ((إن أصحاب هذه الصور يعذبون يوم القيامة ويقال لهم أحيوا ما خلقتم)) 'Those who make these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them: Bring to life what you have created' [Bukhari and Muslim]. And he ﷺ said: ((من صور صورة في الدنيا كلف أن ينفخ فيها الروح وليس بنافخ)) 'Whoever creates an image in this world will be required to breathe life into it, but he will not be able to do so' [Bukhari and Muslim]. He also said to Ali, may Allah be pleased with him: ((لا تدع صورة إلا طمستها, ولا قبراً مشرفاً إلا سويته)) 'Do not leave any image without erasing it or any raised grave without leveling it' [Muslim]. However, if there is a necessity for Tasweer, then a Muslim is excused, as Allah, the Almighty, says: {وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلاَّ مَا اضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ} 'He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity.' [Al-An'am 6:119] If a person is compelled to have a photograph taken for identification purposes, a driver's license, or educational requirements, and there is no other way, he is excused, albeit with a dislike in his heart for it. Similarly, photographing criminals for the purpose of apprehending and prosecuting them is permitted due to necessity. Other similar cases where necessity dictates are exceptions. Otherwise, the original ruling is that photography is prohibited and the use of images is forbidden. Source: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/mat/10790 https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/861/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D9%84-%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%85 @almanhajussalafi