Q: Due to the occasion of Hajj (Pilgrimage), I intend to print the picture of the Honored Ka`bah and the Masjid of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in order to be distributed among pilgrims. This may help remind them of their sacred rites during the performance of every rite as they look at their watches. I need your encouragement for this by giving me a Fatwa that permits printing the picture of the Ka`bah (Part No. 1; Page No. 687) and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy onto clocks and watches in order to give this fatwa to customs when importing them. May Allah not deprive us of your instructions!

A: Taking photographs of what does not have a soul; of mountains, plants, trees, seas and all inanimate objects is permissible. But something might result out of these pictures that makes them impermissible. Printing the picture of the Honored Ka`bah and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah) on watches and clocks has the same ruling of impermissibility. Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) and Names of Allah are written on the covering of the Ka`bah and on the walls of the Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah). Printing the pictures of these two places on watches and clocks necessitates printing the Ayahs on them. Doing so will expose the Ayahs and the Names of Allah (Exalted be He) to contempt, as a person can have intimate marital physical relationship, enter toilets and do filthy things while wearing this watch. They may also wear it while they are in a state of major ritual impurity, etc.As to clocks that have the pictures of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah) with regard to Ayahs and the Names of Allah written on its walls, they may also be exposed to the same insult and contempt upon intending to repair, move them from one house to another, etc. (Part No. 1; Page No. 688) Printing these pictures on watches and clocks violates the purpose for which the Qur'an was revealed. The Qur'an was revealed for the purpose of understanding religion, worshipping Allah and seeking admonition, not for the sake of propaganda in order to gain money and to increase trade. This may lead to using them as amulets, seeking their blessings or desiring their protection against harm, thieves and other kinds of inflictions. Therefore, it is not permissible to print the picture of the Ka`bah and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy on watches or clocks. It should be prevented from entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.