Taking photographs of traffic accidents in which people appear

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As-Salaamu-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
We work in the Traffic Accident Department. Sometimes we need to take photographs of some traffic accidents in order to protect the rights of our brother citizens [i.e., establish who is at fault so that no one is unjustly treated, etc.]. Sometimes people who happen to be at the scene appear in the pictures. What is the ruling on this?
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Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

There is nothing wrong with this kind of work, because it is taking pictures that serve a purpose, indeed they are necessary. There is nothing wrong if pictures taken at the scene of the accident include people who are not involved. But if the pictures are taken by someone using his own camera, in order to keep the pictures for himself, then this is not allowed. It is haraam not in and of itself, but because of the purpose, which is to keep the pictures for himself with no need to do so. The reason why you are taking the pictures, on the other hand, is for a legitimate and necessary purpose.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

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