Fatwa #3863428 January 2019New Zealand
Praying in a masjid that has CCTV Cameras
Question
Bismihi Ta'ala.
Dear respected Mufti Sahib,
As-Salaam-Wa-Alaikum-Wa-Rahmatullahi-Wa-Barakatuhu.
An Aalim here says that it is impermissible to go for congregational salaat in the Masajid which have CCTV operating. In this country, all the Masajid here have CCTV. This Aaalim prays in small maktabs that he has opened himself, that are not readily accessible to the public. As a laymen, what are we suppossed to do? Also, is this position of the Aalim correct?
Jazakumullah-hu-Khairan.
Was-Salaam.
Answer
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.
CCTV cameras are installed for security reasons and are permissible[1]. It is permissible to perform salaah in masjids that have CCTV camera systems.
And Allaah Ta’aala Knows Best.
Muajul I. Chowdhury
Student, Darul Iftaa
Astoria, New York, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
________
[1] الدر المختار شرح تنوير الأبصار وجامع البحار (ص: 441)
فرع: لا ينبغي اتخاذ كلب إلا لخوف لص أو غيره فلا بأس به، ومثله سائر السباع.
الأشباه والنظائر لابن نجيم (ص: 73)
الضرورات تبِيح المحظورات