Is drawing or photographing people prohibited in Islam?
I am aware that the prophets may not be depicted in art works, but recently I've been told that people can't be drawn either. What are the specific Quran verses or hadiths that support this view? What is the reasoning behind it?
If drawing people is not permitted, does that mean that you may also not take pictures of people or engage in photography? What about movies - can you use a video camera to make a movie of your family (i.e. baby's first steps)? How is taking a picture different from drawing something?
If limitations on paintings are only limited to divine bodies, where is that supported in the Islamic religion? It seems it was once allowed (warning: link has paintings of Prophet Muhammad). Also, Iran (Sh'ia) permits depictions of the Prophet, and even has a collection of artwork surrounding it. Is that considered haram by Sunnis?
