Question

I understand that photography is a major sin, however I have heard some say that after a person dies if we send his pictures around, this causes inconvenience to the deceased (marhum). Is this substantiated from any Hadith?

 

Answer

In essence, your question is about whether the deceased is inconvenienced by the sins of those who survive him/her.

There are several Hadiths that explain that our deed are shown to the deceased from time to time, and they take effect from what we are doing; if its good that the living are involved in, then the deceased will take good effect, and vice-versa.

Hereunder are some of those Hadiths:

1. In a sound (hasan) Hadith recorded by several Muhaddithun, like Ibn Abi Khaythamah, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Tabarani and others (rahimahumullah), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“… By the oath of Allah, some of you cry, which results in the deceased crying too. O slaves of Allah! do not punish your deceased [like this].”

(See Fathul Bari, Hadith: 1286)

2. Imam Ibn Jarir Tabari (rahimahullah) has authentically recorded from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) that he said:

“Indeed the deeds of the living are shown to their deceased relatives.”

(See Fathul Bari, Hadith: 1286)

3. Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Indeed your actions are shown to your deceased family and friends, and they rejoice at the good [that you do]. If they are shown your sins, they say:
“O Allah! Grant them guidance till death, like you did for us.”

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3, pg.165)

4. Sa’id ibn Musayyab (rahimahullah) once said:

“The deceased is informed of the deeds of everyone of his family and friends. They become pleased with the good they are shown, and are grieved by the sins.”

(Ahwalul Qubur of Ibn Rajab -rahimahullah-, pg. 152)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar