What is the ruling on TV photos and Camera pictures?

The word picture or soorah in the Arabic language is equivalent to statue and the art of photography or tasweer in Arabic is equivalent to sculpture. This linguistic meaning was the one which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to regarding the art of sculpture. As for using the same word and applying it to the pictures taken by camera, it would not indicate a real usage of the word in its original meaning but rather a figurative use. Figurative usage of words does not change its actual meaning. For example artificial silk is not part of the prohibited silk for men which is clearly stated in prophetic traditions because what goes under prohibition is natural silk. Same goes for alcohol which does not become lawful for Muslims just because some people alter its name to spiritual beverages as this alteration does not change the meaning and reason for prohibition.

Therefore, the craftsman who makes sculptures for the purpose of assimilating his works of art to that of God’s creation is the one who is admonished in the hadith. As for the photographer who captures the beauty of God’s nature through the lens of his camera is not included in admonishment at all.