Fatwa ID: 07677
Answered by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Question:
I like to do something called astrophotography which is taking pictures of objects in space or the whole night sky and then later on editing them on photoshop to bring out the colours and other elements. My question is, since I am taking these images which are the creation of Allah and changing them by editing them in photoshop, is this permissible?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Astrophotography, the practice of taking photographs of celestial objects or the night sky and then editing them to enhance certain features, can raise questions about its permissibility in Islam, particularly with regard to altering the creation of Allah. Here is a detailed answer based on Hanafi fiqh.
In Islam, there is a clear distinction between creating something new that mimics the creation of Allah and enhancing or clarifying existing creations through technology. The latter is generally permissible as it does not constitute an attempt to rival the creation of Allah but rather to understand and appreciate it better.
When you take photographs of celestial objects and later edit them to bring out colors and details, you are not altering the creation of Allah in a prohibited manner. Instead, you are enhancing the visibility of elements that are already present but may not be easily seen with the naked eye. This process involves adjusting light levels, colors, and contrasts to reveal the true beauty and complexity of Allah’s creation, which can increase appreciation and understanding.
Enhancing or clarifying images to better understand and appreciate the creation of Allah is permissible. The Qur’an encourages Muslims to observe and reflect on the signs of Allah in the universe: “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.” (Fussilat, 41:53)
In Hanafi fiqh, the default ruling for actions and tools is permissibility unless there is a clear evidence of prohibition. Editing photos to enhance clarity and visibility does not change the inherent nature of the objects photographed but helps in better visual representation.1
Conclusively, Astrophotography and the subsequent editing of images to enhance their visibility and beauty are permissible in Islam. This practice does not constitute altering the creation of Allah in a forbidden manner. Instead, it is a means to highlight and appreciate the intricate details and magnificence of the universe created by Allah.
As long as the intention behind this practice is to seek knowledge, appreciate the creation, and possibly share the beauty of Allah’s creation with others, it aligns with Islamic principles. Therefore, you can continue your astrophotography and editing activities with confidence that they are permissible within the framework of Hanafi fiqh.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
1
“الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة حتى يدل الدليل على التحريم” (الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار), 1/64)
