Fatwa ID: 04875

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

Is it not permissible to see the photograph of a non-mahram when he is no longer alive as then there will be no fear of the wrong intention? What if the person in the photo is a very aged man may be of the age of one’s grandfather?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

Out of precaution (ihtiyat) a Muslim woman should refrain from looking at a photograph of a deceased non-mahram man. The reason for that is Shaitan works in deceptive ways and there is a danger of temptation and fitnah. Therefore, it is best, even though the person had passed away that you do not look at his photograph.

A comparison can be made with a ruling which can be found in the books of Fiqh that a “Khasi” (a man who has removed his testicles) should not be allowed to look at a strange woman out of precaution. (See Mukhtasar Quduuri p.248)

However, if the photograph is of an old man then there is some scope of flexibility in terms of it being permissible.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham