Taking photographs of beings with souls and keeping photos

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A: Taking photographs of living beings, whether they are human beings or animals, or keeping these photographs is Haram (prohibited). In fact, it is one of the major sins, due to what is related in the Sahih (authentic) Hadith of the terrible threat and severe punishment for the Musawwir (those who make pictures, photographs, and statues) and those who keep pictures. Moreover, taking photographs is emulating Allah's Creation and photographs of important figures or righteous people may become a means to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and photographs of beautiful women, actors, actresses, and naked women may become a means to Fitnah (temptation).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.