Drawing Cartoons of People
Question :

Is it permissible to draw people from Islamic history, including the 14 Infallibles (peace be upon them), without their faces showing, for the purpose of using them as illustrations in Islamic books for children?

Answer :

Hand drawing of figures that have life is prohibited and based on an obligatory precaution it is also prohibited via the computer.

Photography
Question :

Is taking a photograph, having one or displaying one forbidden?

Answer :

No, it is permissible.

Painting
Question :

I had a painting of myself done by a student. Is this against the laws of Islam to have something like that done for oneself?

Answer :

In general, painting of live things is prohibited, but owning the painting is not prohibited. As for the student who made the painting, his action is not prohibited since he did not know the verdict.

Drawing Using a Stylus Pen
Question :

I use a stylus pen to draw and paint humans and animals on a tablet. Is it permissible?

Answer :

It is not permissible to do so based on compulsory precaution.

Rulings of Making Images
Question :

I wish to know the ruling on making images in two dimensions and three dimensions

Answer :

It is prohibited to make images of live creatures, whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

New Convert
Question :

I am a new convert to Shia Islam and I work as an artist. Could you please clarify the rulings in regards to drawing 2D images on paper?

Answer :

It is not permissible to draw the image of humans and animals on paper. It is permissible to draw other objects like trees, rivers and natural scenery.
It is also permissible to draw partial images of humans and animals.

Art Classes
Question :

In non-Muslim countries, schools require children to attend art class in which it is necessary to draw living things. What is the duty of parents in such cases?

Answer :

It is not permissible to draw the picture of humans and animals. The parents should advise their children to refrain from committing sins. They should suggest for their children to draw pictures of trees, livers and other natural views.

statues
Question :

Is it allowed to build statues to individuals according to the Sharia?

Answer :

It is not permissible.

Photgraphy
Question :

I am a professional photographer. Can I take photographs of women and men in wedding ceremonies where women wear traditional clothes (not proper Hijab) and there is mix gathering, but there is no chance of me falling into a sin and there is no alcohol served there? Would the income from this be lawful? Is photography of women by itself prohibited? Can I employ a woman who does the photography so that I do not have to go the mix gathering?

Answer :

Taking photographs is a permissible profession. You can also take photographs in mixed gathering such as weddings where women are not observing Hijab, but it is prohibited to look at non-Mahram women with lust. Having said that, women must wear the Hijab in the presence of non-Mahram men even in wedding ceremonies. Observing Hijab is obligatory on the woman in any place in the presence of non-Mahram men, even at her own house.
It is better to hire a woman to do the photography in such cases.

Snowman
Question :

Is the making of a snowman allowed?

Answer :

No, it is not permissible.

Dolls
Question :

What is the law on dolls for girls?

Answer :

It is permissible to acquire them, but it is prohibited to manufacture them.

Fictional Creatures
Question :

Is it permissible to create images of imaginary and fictional creatures, which do not exist in reality? What about creatures which do exist but we have never seen, such as angels?

Answer :

If they are in the form of humans and animals, then it is prohibited to make them.

Pieces of Art
Question :

Is it permissible to own pieces of art, sculptures and pictures? Is it also permissible to take photos of friends, family and strangers?

Answer :

It is disliked to take possession of pictures of living things produced by drawing, painting or the like. The same is the case for statues of living things. It is permissible to take photographic images with cameras.

Dolls Legs
Question :

If a doll breaks and the legs come off, is it permissible to repair it?

Answer :

Yes, it is permissible.

Animating Human Characters in the Computer
Question :

Is it allowed to animate human characters in the computer for story making purposes? Animating entails drawing several images of something that then results in movement.

Answer :

It is permissible to do so via the computer.