What is the Islamic position on illustrating children’s books?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāh wa-barakātuh.

In principle, in order to merit reward for any noble task we undertake, both the intention and the method of achieving our goal must be in conformity with the Sharī’ah.

Although writing books for children in order to enhance their education is a praiseworthy effort, it is important that one does not try to accomplish this at the expense of committing the harām of drawing animate objects. Instead, with some additional thought and creativity, one can adequately educate children without engaging in the abovementioned harām.

And Allah knows best.

Mufti Abrar Mirza

Chicago, IL (USA)

Under the Supervision of Mufti Ebrahim Desai (South Africa)

2011-04-15