Photographing women a punishable crime

Jeddah : A number of citizens have expressed their annoyance over the increasing phenomenon of taking photos of women during festivals and events in a number of provinces and governorates.

They pointed out that this is an action that exposes women, and called on the relevant authorities and festival administrators to impose a ban on taking photos of female visitors, and for violators to be held accountable.

A citizen asked Islamic scholar Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Musleh about the Shariah opinion on taking photos of women without their knowledge during festivals and other events, and publishing these photos on social media websites. He said that this action is prohibited by Shariah law.

He also said that taking photos of people without their knowledge is prohibited and is considered a criminal act. Rules and laws criminalize this action and impose deterrent action against anyone who takes part in a such an activity.

He said spying on people is prohibited in the Qur’an and Sunnah, because it spreads rumors and immorality in the community, which is a punishable act in this life and the Hereafter.

He pointed out that taking photos of women without their knowledge instills doubt and suspicions in the minds of the spouses of these women, not to mention the fact that people don’t like photos of their wives to be published for everyone to see.

Lawyer and legal adviser Abdul Karim Al-Qadi said that this action is punishable by law, and that the exact punishment is left to the judge. 
He said that everyone who has been exposed to this action has the right to file a complaint with the criminal court against the photographer.