I have read that it is forbidden to take photographs. So my question is: Is it also then forbidden to have a mirror at home as both the camera and mirror capture images?

Picture frames and photographs of animate objects are not permissible to display. Frames having pictures of inanimate objects e.g. trees, mountains, etc. are permissible.
- Hadhrat Abu Talha (Radhiyallaahu Ánhu) narrates that Nabi (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or picture.' (Mishkãt vol. 2 p. 385)
? Ábdullah ibn Masóod (Radhiyallaahu Ánhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'The people with the most severe punishment by Allah will be the picture makers.' (Ibid).
? Hadhrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates, 'I heard the messenger of Allah saying, "Every picture-maker will be in the fire. A life will be created for every picture the picture-maker made, and he will be tortured in Hell." If you have to make pictures (says Ibn Abbaas) then make a picture of a tree or such things which are inanimate.' (Bukhari and Muslim)

The difference between a camera and mirror is clear. A camera retains the captured image. That is not so in the case of a mirror. The image remains only until the item is in front of it.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.