Is Modelling Haram?
Is modelling haram? Modelling is considered haram as it involves haram acts as defined by Islam such as nudity, showing off the body, and mingling with non-Mahrams. Not to mention models are chosen entirely cause of their body and attractiveness and showing off these in front of non-Mahrams is totally haram.
Is Modelling Haram In Islam?
Mostly all scholars agree that modelling for anything that includes haram acts is haram in Islam.
The argument goes that if God has given them beauty and good looks, why shouldn’t they model?
The answer is simple. If God has a talent for someone he or she can use that talent in good ways and bad ways both. The choice is yours. This is the whole concept of the test in this life.
Likewise, if God has given you beauty it’s a test. A Muslim must preserve that beauty only for his or her family and no non-Mahrams should be able to attract to that beauty.
These days we know that modelling is purely done to attract customers and clients. Companies use beauty models only for their attractiveness and try to attract more money.
The whole concept again is of selling your body for money. Beauty and good looks are from Allah and selling those for money will be like selling something you don’t own. Muslims have to follow every order of their master Allah.
Allah has forbidden males and females to showcase their beauty in front of strangers (non-Mahrams).
Islam strongly promotes the values of simplicity and haya. Prophet (peace be upon him) asked us to have haya and it’s a very important ruling in Islam. A person with haya won’t be able to model.
Narrated Abu Sa`id:
The Prophet (ﷺ) was more shy (from Haya: pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions) than a veiled virgin girl.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 6119]
Putting oneself in the spotlight would be contrary to Islam’s teachings of modesty and simplicity.
Ibn ‘Umar (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Haya (modesty, bashfulness etc.) is a part of Faith.” Agreed upon.
[Book 16, Hadith 88]
Using a woman’s beauty and measurements to make a living places her in a position of shame and lack of honour. A woman’s beauty was never designed to be showcased to entice people to buy something.
Islam also asks us not to have pride in ourselves. If we see today all the models are given much attention and a sense of pride is born. This pride can sometimes take over their whole life and keep them away from Islam.
Narrated Jabir ibn Atik:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: There is jealousy which Allah loves and jealousy which Allah hates. That which Allah loves is jealousy regarding a matter of doubt, and that which Allah hates is jealousy regarding something which is not doubtful. There is pride which Allah hates and pride which Allah loves. That which Allah loves is a man’s pride when fighting and when giving sadaqah and that which Allah hates is pride shown by oppression. The narrator Musa said: “by boasting.”
[Sunan Abi Dawud 2659]
In Islam, women are regarded as valuable. As a result, Islam has elevated them to queenly status. As a result, they are advised to stay within the confines of their homes, where the males will provide all of their needs.
Modelling will make the women who are supposed to be Queens leave their homes and showcase their beauty and looks to strange men.
True respect, honour, and dignity can only be obtained by following Islam. Anyone who wishes to have respect and lead a life according to Islam should avoid any modelling in their lives.
I want to clear up one more thing. Modelling for looks and bodies is haram for men just like women. Men can also not showcase any part of their beauty to attract customers.
If you are into modelling you should also read Is Acting Haram?
Final Thoughts
Modelling is considered haram for Muslim men and Muslim women. The word model itself means to showcase something. Nowadays modelling is showcasing the beauty and looks. Selling the bodies for money doesn’t have dignity and is also not allowed in Islam.
All Muslims should stay away from modelling as it also involves other haram acts like nudity, the mingling of non-Mahrams and showcasing body parts.
And Allah Knows Best.
