Question Summary:
Sharing Pictures

Question Detail:

Muhtaram wa Mukarram 
 
It has become common nowadays through social media for video and picture content to be shared. 
In order to understand this matter, please could specific comment could be made on the following: 
 
I would like to know what is the permissibility of viewing and sharing these pictures videos, particularly relating to those with Islamic content. The messages are beneficial; however, often these videos and images have people in them, and some even have background music. 
 
Is there a difference in permissibility when the people in the videos and images are dressed in an Islamic fashion? 
 
Is there reward in sharing these videos where the content is beneficial, or would it be sinful to do so due to the inclusion of people in the content?
 
Furthermore, it has been noted that popular platforms are used to share images and videos of Hajj and Umrah. I have encountered recently many people who despite not watching Television in the past have acquired one for the purposes of watching Haramain live streaming of Makkah and Madinah. 
 
Is the viewing of the live streaming of Haramain beneficial, or (as above) sinful?
 
Are these pictures and videos shared by, for example Newspapers and Radio Stations of Hajj and Umrah beneficial? (As it has been said it allows the Ummah to witness and feel close to the Hujjaaj). Is it necessary to seek permission from all those who feature in such images and videos before posting or sharing on Social Media? 
 
Islamic events, Conferences etc. are accompanied by a wave of pictures and videos on Social Media. Often these are posted by the Organizers who do use the banner of 'Muslim' or 'Islamic' Organization; therefore, this creates confusion as to the permissibility of such images. 
 
Your esteemed advice on these matters would be greatly appreciated so that the challenges of Social Media may be navigated with a greater consciousness and adherence to Shariah. 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The permissibility of digital photography and videos is a highly contested issue amongst contemporary Ulamā. Whilst we appreciate and tolerate the academic differences on digital photography, we advise against the use of digital photography in all circumstances referred to in your query.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Huzaifah Deedat
Student Darul Iftaa
Lusaka, Zambia 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
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Digital Camera Ki Tasweer Ki Hurmat Par Mufassal wa Mudallal Fatwa-Jami'ah Darul Uloom Yasin al-Quran