Is It Haram to Put a Photo in the Yasin Book for a Deceased Person?

So what is the ruling on putting a photo in a deceased person's Yasin book? Many people still place photos of family members who have passed away in Yasin books. The family then distributes these books, hoping it will become a charitable deed (sedekah) for the deceased.

This tradition is usually held together with a tahlilan gathering, where the host (sohibul hajat) distributes these books before the tahlilan begins. However, many people ask whether it is permissible to put a photo in a Yasin book. To find the answer, please follow the explanation below.

Here Is the Ruling on Placing a Photo of the Deceased in a Yasin Book

The ruling on placing a photo in a Yasin book has always been an interesting topic. Even now, many people continue to debate it. Some say it is permissible, while others say it is not.

In truth, placing a photo of a deceased person in a Yasin book is not quite appropriate. However, you should understand that this does not mean it is prohibited or haram. This is because, in principle, photographs are permissible (mubah).

According to Buya Yahya, one of Indonesia's great scholars, photographs are not something that is forbidden. Scholars have agreed on the ruling regarding photographs, including photography as a field.

Through his YouTube channel, he explained that photos are not haram, nor do they bring disgrace. However, placing them in a Yasin book is considered not quite appropriate.

The caretaker of LPD and PP Al-Bahjah urged the public not to put photos of deceased family members on the cover of Yasin books. While it does not reach the level of being forbidden, it is still not appropriate.

UAS's View on Photos in a Deceased Person's Yasin Book

What about the view of UAS, or Ustadz Abdul Somad? Many people know him as one of Indonesia's well-known scholars. His knowledge is widely recognized, including by circles of habib (descendants of the Prophet).

Regarding photos in Yasin books, he explained that the endowment (wakaf) that is in line with the recommendation is actually a copy of the Qur'an (mushaf), not a Yasin book. He explained that when a family member passes away, it is better to endow a copy of the Qur'an.

As for endowing Yasin books, he suggested stopping that practice. Even so, he does not blame those who still print Yasin books for the deceased with photos on the cover, because some people continue to do so under the justification that it is a form of endowment.

Nevertheless, UAS still encourages the public to give more endowments of the Qur'an, especially since this aligns with the explanation in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad as narrated by Ibn Majah.

"Indeed, what a believer will find of the deeds and good works he has done are:

• Knowledge that he taught and spread
• A righteous child he left behind
• A copy of the Qur'an he bequeathed
• A mosque he built
• A house for the wayfarer (ibn sabil, a traveler whose journey has been cut off)
• A river he channeled
• Charity he gave from his wealth while still healthy and alive"

Evidence on Placing Photos in Yasin Books

There is actually no clear explanation on whether it is permissible to place a photo in a deceased person's Yasin book. However, placing photos on items such as mats, pillows, and the like is permitted.

This is as explained in the book Majmu' Fatawa wa Rasail. On page 213 it is explained that,

وهو أنها إن كانت فى محل ممتهن كبساط وحصير ووسادة ونحوها كانت مباحة ايضا فى مذهب الاربعة إلا أن المالكية قالوا فعل هذه خلاف الأولى وليس مكروها.

Meaning: placing an image on an item such as a mat, carpet, pillow, or the like is permissible according to the four schools of thought. However, the Maliki school states that doing so goes against what is more preferable, though it is not disliked (makruh).

Based on this explanation, some scholars state the most valid opinion: as long as the photo does not show the whole person. For example, if only the face is shown, this is allowed.

In addition, this also means that placing a photo in a deceased person's Yasin book is permissible. Only the Maliki school holds that this is khilaful aula or going against what is more preferable.

Now That You Understand the Ruling on Photos in a Deceased Person's Yasin Book?

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