The Islamic Ruling on Buying and Selling Image-Capturing Devices
This issue involves details and distinctions. In studios, both permissible and impermissible types of images are taken. If such devices are used for capturing images of lawful objects—such as cars, airplanes, and mountains, which are non-living entities—then selling such image-capturing equipment carries no objection, since they can be used for photographing non-living things. A person may also have a legitimate need for them.
As for capturing images of living beings—such as human beings, animals, and birds—this is not permissible without a valid necessity. However, if the situation necessitates such images, like for purposes of citizenship identification, which people are compelled to obtain (commonly referred to as birth certificates or identity cards), then there is no harm in it.
Likewise, the same ruling applies to passports and educational documents, which are not issued without photographs. Similarly, photographing criminals for identification and protection from their harm is also allowed. In such cases where there is a genuine necessity, capturing images is permissible.
A proof of this is found in the Holy Qur’an in the following verse:
«وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا مَا اضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ» [الأنعام: 119]
"Indeed, He has detailed to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled."
The objective is that such devices should be used only for lawful purposes. Therefore, if they are sold to people, then there is no harm in their sale, as they are tools that can be used for both good and evil—similar to selling a sword or knife, which can also be used in either way. Selling such items is permissible.
However, the sin will be upon the one who uses them for evil. But if the seller knows for certain that the buyer will use a knife, sword, or similar object for unlawful purposes, then it is prohibited to sell such items to that person.
[Ibn Baz: Majmoo’ al-Fatawa wa al-Maqalat: 19/81]
◈ Buying and Selling of Image-Capturing Devices
This issue involves details and distinctions. In studios, both permissible and impermissible types of images are taken. If such devices are used for capturing images of lawful objects—such as cars, airplanes, and mountains, which are non-living entities—then selling such image-capturing equipment carries no objection, since they can be used for photographing non-living things. A person may also have a legitimate need for them.
❀ Ruling on Photographing Living Beings
As for capturing images of living beings—such as human beings, animals, and birds—this is not permissible without a valid necessity. However, if the situation necessitates such images, like for purposes of citizenship identification, which people are compelled to obtain (commonly referred to as birth certificates or identity cards), then there is no harm in it.
Likewise, the same ruling applies to passports and educational documents, which are not issued without photographs. Similarly, photographing criminals for identification and protection from their harm is also allowed. In such cases where there is a genuine necessity, capturing images is permissible.
A proof of this is found in the Holy Qur’an in the following verse:
«وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا مَا اضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ» [الأنعام: 119]
"Indeed, He has detailed to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled."
✔ Conclusion on the Sale of Image-Capturing Devices
The objective is that such devices should be used only for lawful purposes. Therefore, if they are sold to people, then there is no harm in their sale, as they are tools that can be used for both good and evil—similar to selling a sword or knife, which can also be used in either way. Selling such items is permissible.
However, the sin will be upon the one who uses them for evil. But if the seller knows for certain that the buyer will use a knife, sword, or similar object for unlawful purposes, then it is prohibited to sell such items to that person.
[Ibn Baz: Majmoo’ al-Fatawa wa al-Maqalat: 19/81]