Is Drawing Haram In Islam

Art is a way that has been used to express feelings for ages. As the saying goes “art disturbs the comfortable, and comforts the disturbed”.

But, what does Islam think of drawing, the most important aspect of art, and is it Halal or Haram to draw?

There is a raging debate on whether drawing is Haram or not. The answer depends on what Maadhib you’re following. One thing that all Islamic sects agree on when it comes to whether or not drawing is haram or not is the following:

It is prohibited in Islam to draw figures that depict god, prophets, adultery, and all other prohibited things. However, if the drawing you’re making helps spread Islam and teaches it to other people, then it is permissible to do it.

In regards to drawing faces, animals, and living things, that is somewhat debatable as that depends on the Maadhib you’re following. Al Maadhib el Malaki, for instance, doesn’t prohibit drawing, unless it includes Haram things.

As per always, we encourage you to do further research and ask a shaikh if you’re still unclear

Is Drawing Haram in Islam?

There are Fatwas concluding that it is Halal to draw in islam, such as the Egyptian Dar Al Iftaa (Source). Meanwhile, there are other Muslim scholars who said that drawing is Haram  (Source).

Nonetheless, scholars of all the four Maddahib agree on what is not permissible to draw. For instance, drawing art or figures that depict sexual acts, adultery, prophets, messengers, god, etc (Source).

Why is Drawing Considered Haram?

As previously mentioned, not all scholars agree that drawing is prohibited. However, those who do argue with the Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said, according to the Saheeh hadeeth:

Every image-maker will be in the Fire.

The most severely punished of people on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers, those who tried to imitate the creation of Allaah.

 (Source).

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

Those who make images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them: ‘Bring to life that which you have created.’

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5607) and Muslim (2108). 
(source)

Is Drawing Faces Haram

This is also somewhat debatable. Some Muslim scholars have prohibited drawing faces and anything that has a soul, while others said that is permissible. 

Shaikh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid was asked if it was permissible to draw a face of a human without features.

To which he responded by saying that images which do not have complete facial features (no eyes or notse) are not considered to be haram as it can’t be categorized as potentially imitating the creation of Allah (source).

Is Drawing Anime Haram

The short answer is that if the goal of drawing Anime is to help spread Islam, and educate people on our religion then it is fully permissible to do it.

Nonetheless, the artist drawing Anime should take into account that it is not permissible to draw things that promote Haram. (source). 

However, drawing mainstream anime such as the popular shows such as Attack on Titans or Death Note could be considered Haram. As it is not meant to be promote Islam and includes a fair share of violence and may contain inappropriate scenes.

Is Drawing Living Things Haram?

Several Muslim scholars said that it is prohibited to draw living things and these include sons of Adam peace be upon him and animals. (Source).

Furthermore, as per Shaikh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid’s response earlier, drawing faces that imitate the creation of Allah is not permissible (source).