Aslam

Praise be to Allah.

Taking pictures of women is not permitted at all, because

of the temptation and evil that results from that, in addition to the

fact that taking pictures is forbidden in and of itself. So it is not

permissible to take pictures of women when traveling or for any other

reason. The Council of Senior Scholars has issued a statement that this

is haraam. With regard to traveling to kaafir countries or permissive

countries, this is not permitted because it involves temptation and

evil, and mixing with the kaafirs, and seeing evil things and being

affected by that. It is only permitted within strict guidelines which

have been set out by the scholars, namely:

1-For necessary medical treatment

which cannot be found in any Muslim country

2-For business purposes which

require travel

3-To learn knowledge which

the Muslims need and which cannot be found in their countries

4-To call people to Allaah

and spread Islam

In each of these cases, there is the condition that the

traveler should be able to practise his religion openly and show pride

in his beliefs, and keep away from places of temptation.

With regard to traveling solely for the purpose of a pleasure trip, or for a break, this is emphatically forbidden. I ask Allaah to make me, you and all the Muslims adhere to that which He loves and which pleases Him. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.