Drawing animate beings without features

30-4-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the sharia ruling on drawing persons without the eyes, nose, etc? We are forced to do this in exams and on other occasions. In case we refuse to draw it, we get low marks. You answered before that drawing the face is prohibited.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Undoubtedly, what we have already told you before in reply to your previous question is the sound opinion regarding this issue according to proofs. However, if you are forced to draw animate beings in exams, then that is a necessity which should be answered proportionately. Thus, if you draw the face but without the nose and the eyes, it is a lesser violation than drawing a face with full features. Likewise, when you draw persons from the back, it is less prohibited than drawing them from the front. We also remind you of the verses in which Allah says (what means):

•        {So fear Allah as much as you are able.} [Quran 64: 16]

•        {And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out.} [Quran 65: 2]

 We ask Allah to grant you success to do what He likes and approves of.

Allah knows best.