Fatwa: #289
Country : New Zealand
Question:
Assalamu Alaikum, I am a professional comic artist, and I draw illustrations for children’s books and webcomics. Recently, I came across different opinions about whether drawing living beings is haram in Islam. Some people believe it is prohibited, while others say it is permissible as long as the drawings are not made for worship and the stories do not contain anything haram. As drawing is my profession, I am concerned about whether my work and the income I earn from it are halal or haram. I would really appreciate it if you could clarify this matter and provide guidance based on Islamic teachings. Thank you very much for your time and help.
Answer:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query regarding drawing pictures, our response is as follows:
Picture making (of animate objects) has been categorically prohibited in the Ahadeeth. Rasulullah Sallallahu alai wa sallam has said:
إِنَّ أَشَدَّ النَّاسِ عَذَابًا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ الْمُصَوِّرُونَ
“The people who will receive the severest punishment from Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be the picture makers.”
(Saheeh Bukhari : 5950)
In another Hadeeth of Saheeh Bukhari it is mentioned:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَصْنَعُونَ هَذِهِ الصُّوَرَ يُعَذَّبُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يُقَالُ لَهُمْ أَحْيُوا مَا خَلَقْتُمْ
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Those who make these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them. ‘Make alive what you have created.'”
(Saheeh Bukhari : 5951)
To make a form or picture of anything animate, be it an actual real-life object or something imaginary, will all fall within the ambit of Haraampicture making. Therefore, an occupation which involves drawing animate objects is not permissible.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
20th Jumaadul Ula 1448
1st Nov 2026