Fatwa ID: 08597

Written by Maulana Mohammed Aabu Saeed Miah

Question:

I hope you will be able to clear my doubt regarding this topic. Could you please give me a detailed answer on the awrah of digital drawings, particularly human characters in cartoons and such? To what extent would looking at them be permissible? Would looking at the hair of a female character be haram? And do all the rules of awrah apply to digital drawings as well?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Keeping in mind that the eyes and ears are the gateway to the heart, protecting them is of paramount importance. Therefore, the best option regarding doubtful areas is to avoid that which is not needed or where there are other practical options.

The rules of Awrah are established by the Allah to prevent one’s natural desire leading to Haram, in-line with the principle of ‘preventing corruption’. Therefore, we can logically conclude that looking at or even seeing anything that is considered Awrah influences the natural carnal desire.  For example, looking at a women’s hair, some who have subjective morality may say that a women’s hair does not influence carnal desire. However, as Allah has made it haram to look at, we can conclude that it does have an influence on carnal desire or else there wouldn’t be the restriction.

Looking at digital images of Awrah is Haram without a doubt. This is because it has nearly the exact same effect on the carnal desires as does looking at the Awrah in real life. Therefore, to prevent corruption and sin, looking at digital images/videos of the Awrah is Haram.

As for cartoons that do not resemble reality its important to look at specifics. Some cartoons are unnecessarily created and displayed in a way that has an influence on the carnal desires. Sadly, some cartoons are made to be more attractive to the viewer, as it’s a proven selling point for the producer. Therefore, cartoons which have been given an appealing nature unnecessarily, will be Haram to look at or view.

Some animated videos which are made for instructional purposes (tutorials) and are not like reality have women in them revealing their hair but not made to be appealing, it will be permissible to view this when there is a need with no other practical option.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Mohammed Aabu Saeed Miah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham 

“الضرورات تبيح المحظورات” – قاعدة 29 – قواعد فقهية للشيخ عزت عبيد الدعاس