Ruling on using 3-D images in design

Question: 220161

What is the ruling on using 3-D images in designing logos? My friend works as a logo designer, and he read in some sources that it is permissible, and that it is only 3-D images and solid, tangible images that are prohibited in Islam, and that images that do not contain any facial features are also permissible. In his work there is no need to use complete images of the body, or to use moving images. To clarify further I hope that you will look at an example of the images available on the following link, which may be needed in the design process:

https://redpen.io/qo32bb268f66835e5d

Therefore I hope that you will explain the ruling and advise him as to what he should do in such situations.

Summary of answer

Conclusion: What appears to be the case is that the drawings found on the link are permissible, except the drawing on which the words “flying fox” appear, because it is like the real image. And Allah knows best.

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.

It is prohibited to draw or depict animate beings, because of
the prohibition and stern warning concerning that, as in the words of the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “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).

In that regard there is no differentiation between
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images, so long as the drawing is
complete and shows all features, although a three-dimensional image is more
emphatically prohibited then a mere drawing, because it is closer to the
real thing. See the answer to question no. 13633.

But there are some cases in which an exception may be made to
this prohibition. They are as follows:

-1-

Where the head of the image is obliterated or is free of
facial features such as the eyes, mouth and nose. In that case it becomes an
unrealistic image, and therefore is permissible. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
If the image is not clear – that is, it does not have eyes, a nose, a mouth
or fingers – then this is not a complete image and is not competing with the
creation of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.

End quote from Majmoo‘ Fataawa ash-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
(2/278-279)

-2-

Stylized pictures, such as those used in chat programs, in
which there are no real facial features such as eyes, mouth and nose, and
are devoid of heads and ears. See the answer to question no.
110504

-3-

Drawings of the body without the head. Ibn Qudaamah said in
al-Mughni (8/111):

If the head of the image is cut off, then it is no longer
makrooh. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The image is the head. So if the head is cut off,
it is no longer an image. This was also narrated from ‘Ikrimah. End quote.

Based on that, what is prohibited with regard to drawing is
that on which facial features appear in such a way that the viewer knows
that it is the image of an animate being.

But if the drawing is without showing the facial features –
such as the eye or nose for example – and it only shows its general shape,
then there is nothing wrong with it, in sha Allah.

Source:

Islam Q&A

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