Kolkata: The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH), a prominent organization of Indian Islamic scholars, has passed a resolution during its 18th Jurisprudential Ijtema in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, declaring income generated from dancing and "unnecessary photography" as illegal or ‘haram’ according to Islamic law.
This resolution was adopted following deliberations among approximately 200 Islamic scholars from various regions of India. The discussions during the Ijtema revolved around contemporary issues affecting society, particularly the impact of modern practices on Islamic principles.
The resolution primarily targets activities on social media platforms, notably TikTok, where dancing and photography are often used to gain fame and income. According to scholars, these activities are inconsistent with Sharia law, which prohibits practices such as wailing, dancing, and taking unnecessary pictures as a means of livelihood.
Any income derived from these activities is deemed illegal under Islamic jurisprudence.
The scholars at the meeting also delved into issues concerning unlawful wealth, focusing on modern business practices and the classification of professions considered illegitimate from an Islamic standpoint. These discussions aimed to address the economic aspects of contemporary life through the lens of Islamic ethics.
The Ijtema saw deliberations on collective sacrifice, emphasizing its importance within the Islamic faith. The scholars underscored the significance of collective efforts to uphold Islamic values and principles in the face of evolving societal norms.
Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, the president of JUH, emphasized in his opening sermon that Islamic jurisprudence is adaptable to every age. He highlighted that it is based not on personal opinions but on the Quran, Sunnah (the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad), and collective decisions made by Islamic scholars.
Madani also stressed the need for Indian scholars to assume a leadership role on the global stage, asserting that the teachings of Islam hold relevance and applicability across diverse contexts.