Photographing women

Q: The secret letter of the capital police chief, No. )2598 C2) dated (14 / 12 / 1398 AH) - a copy sent as an attachment- based on the secret letter of the prison director of Makkah No. (1834 MK /23) in (10/12/1398 AH) stating: The director of Makkah prisons has a lot of troubles and problems in women prison, especially when matching the prisoners names with the bench warrants because it is difficult for him to know who is written in the bench warrant as a result of impersonation. He wants to photograph them and send the photographs with the bench warrant to end these problems and troubles. He wants to photograph all of them and put their photographs in the bench warrant to identify them easily.

A: Taking photo of animate creatures is prohibited, especially, (Part No. 1; Page No. 703) of women because their bodies are unlawful to appear. Rather, they should be covered, for they are seductive to men. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah (Exalted be He) has said: 'Who can be more unjust than he who tries to create the like of My creatures? Let them (i.e. I challenge them to) create an atom (or a small ant), a grain of wheat or a grain of barley!' It is also authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The most grievous torment on the Day of Resurrection will be for those who imitate (Allah) in the act of His creation. In addition to other Hadiths that prohibit photography, curse photographers, and command Muslims to distort photos.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.