Q/A + Reminders

MODELLING

Question:

Can you please give me the Islamic perspective on modelling, photography and photoshoots in Islam. Is it Haraam or can one sign up for modelling (for males and females) and go forward with it, please advise?

Answer :

Participating in a modelling show is totally haraam in Islam as it incorporates a host of activities which contravene the laws of Shari’ah. Below we will explain some of the wrongs and evils found in these shows:

1. These types of shows generally aim to promote the latest styles and designs in fashion. Hence, in an effort to boost their market and make their new fashions appealing, every effort is made to cater for the demands of their clientèle. Nudity and lewd conduct, wine and music, intermingling of men and women etc. are but a few of the many wrongs found in such gatherings.

2. Photography and videoing are an integral part of modelling shows. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

إن أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة المصورون (صحيح البخاري 2/880 ، صحيح لمسلم 2/201)

Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamat. (Bukhari 2/880, Muslim 2/201)

3. The Deen of Islam is a Deen which rests on the bedrock of simplicity and hayaa (shame and modesty) in all spheres of a person’s life. Whether relating to his domestic, social or economic life, Islam strongly advocates adopting the values of simplicity and hayaa (shame and modesty) to the highest levels. One is thus required to display simplicity and hayaa in his/her dressing, behavior and conduct among people. The modest clothing that Islam commands a woman to wear even when she is in the confines of her home diametrically opposes the body-hugging and revealing clothing promoted by the western culture. Apart from this, the one modelling on the stage or walking down the catwalk – at the time when the music is being played and the videoing is taking place – is required to show off and make an expression of his/her beauty in such clothing. This conduct and behavior opposes the very core of the Islamic teachings. Islam instructs one to refrain from boastfulness and pride at all times and to adopt humility in all facets of life. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

لا يدخل الجنة من كان في قلبه مثقال ذرة من كبر (ترمذي رقم 1999)

The one who has an iota of pride will never enter paradise.

4. Most of the time the clothing being promoted in the modelling show is of such a nature that it allows a woman’s satar and many parts of her body to be either exposed or discernible. At times the woman modelling is required to model before the audience dressed in unisex clothing or clothing worn by men, whereas the Hadith has condemned and severely cursed a woman that dresses up like a man and vice versa. The Hadith has similarly cursed women who reveal and expose parts of their bodies before non-mahram men in a seductive manner with the aim of luring them towards themselves. In a modelling show, all these wrongs are clearly visible. When this is the grave condition of people who attract the divine wrath of Allah Ta’ala, we can well imagine the condition of all those who have congregated at such a venue to promote such wrongs and to view such women. Below are the Ahaadith that warn us of the serious consequences of such sins.

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم المتشبهين من الرجال بالنساء والمتشبهات من النساء بالرجال رواه البخاري وأبو داود والترمذي والنسائي وابن ماجه والطبراني (الترغيب والترهيب رقم 3139)