Are photos of living things halal?

Scholars differ. Hand-drawn or sculpted images of living beings are prohibited by the majority, based on hadith about image-makers. Scholars differ on photographs.

Scholars differ · Everyday life · From the Halal or Not? rulebook, checked 28 September 2026

The views, and who holds them

Held byVerdictReasoning
Most contemporary scholarsHalalA photograph captures an image rather than creating one, so it is permitted for a legitimate purpose.
Some scholarsHaramPhotographs of living beings fall under the same prohibition, except for necessity such as passports.

Quick answers

Are photos of living things halal?
Scholars differ. Hand-drawn or sculpted images of living beings are prohibited by the majority, based on hadith about image-makers. Scholars differ on photographs.
Who holds that it is halal?
Most contemporary scholars: A photograph captures an image rather than creating one, so it is permitted for a legitimate purpose.
Who holds that it is haram?
Some scholars: Photographs of living beings fall under the same prohibition, except for necessity such as passports.

Sources

Information, not a fatwa. Where scholars differ, this shows the main views so you can follow the one you already follow or ask a scholar you trust.

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