Can One Wear a Small Mini-Camera Around the Neck?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

May a man wear a small functional mini-camera on a chain or lanyard around the neck, given that it resembles a necklace?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Yes, it is permissible to wear a small mini-camera around the neck as a functional device rather than as an adornment, without violating others’ rights or privacy.

A mini-camera has a functional use, so if it is used for its intended purpose as necessary equipment, it would be fine, provided one does not violate others’ rights or intend any harm.

Allah Most High says, ‘And do not spy’ [Quran, 49:12]

There Should be No Harming or Reciprocating Harm

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri ( Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Do not cause harm or return harm. Whoever harms others, Allah will harm him. Whoever is harsh with others, Allah will be harsh with him.” [Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra]

Matters Are Judged by Their Intention

The first and most fundamental maxim is that every action is judged according to its purpose and intention. [Ibn Nujaym, al-Ashbah wa al-Naza’ir]

This principle is derived directly from the famous hadith of the Prophet: “Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended…” [Bukhari;Muslim]

One should always consider others’ privacy and rights, not use equipment unnecessarily, and use it only for intended purposes.

And Allah knows best.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Related Answers

Are Men Allowed to Wear Necklaces? – permissible and impermissible items for men and women

Is It Permissible for Men to Wear Jewelry for Adornment? -the impermissibility of jewelry for men, except for a ring or item that has a functional basis

Taking Pictures and Violating the Rights of Others -avoid the photography of others, respect their rights of privacy

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.