Q: Asalamulaikum Warahumatullahi Wabarakath, Hope your doing well inshallah. I keep hearing that a woman can’t become a photographer because it is haram. Is that true why or why not? Like any type of photographer ? Thanks and May Allah bless you and your family, Ameen!
Time: Friday April 22, 2011 at 12:25 pm

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Wishing you and your family the very same. Your kind words are well appreciated. May they apply towards all good people like yourself, Ameen.

• Haram is a very strong word. We should be cautious when using it in a lose manner. Additionally, why does your question seem to imply that photography is ‘haram’ for woman but not men? Islam requires men and woman to both make good responsible choices that would make them proud in matters that pertain to their employment/existence.

Ruling:

• One can photograph non-animate objects. This is agreed upon by all scholars.
• Although the occupation of photography is not haram, the occupation may place a person in a situation that compromises their values. If one was to photograph that which would benefit humanity and share greater insight into the creation of Allah (SWT) and thus assist in uplifting the human condition while sharing truths about current (media) prejudices, than in such a situation one would be allowed to take part in ‘necessary photography’ taking.
• As a general rule, life is to serious go around taking pictures. Most photography does not assist in accomplishing superior outcomes. (For example,picture of the cutest cat of the year award, cutest fat baby, ice cream on someones nose, ‘cute’ dog playing with a bone, etc. These are pictures that insult the sanity of even the average human — to say the least.)
• Recommended is that one does not delve in this field as an occupational choice due to its overall negative implications.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.