What is the ruling on using sculptures made of pottery and clay in the shape of birds and animals as plant pots or waste bins, knowing that they are placed in public places and are hollow and disrespected?
The manufacturing of three-dimensional images of animate beings and their possession are strictly forbidden, as this falls under the prohibitions and warnings mentioned in the texts concerning image-making and image-makers. Several hadiths have stipulated the prohibition of possessing images, such as the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, the house in which there are images, the angels do not enter it." Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) commanded not to leave any statue without effacing it, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) tore down the curtain that had an image on it. Most scholars, including the four Imams, agreed on the impermissibility of possessing three-dimensional images, even if they are treated with disrespect. Ibn al-Arabi narrated a consensus on their prohibition, with the exception of dolls for girls. Therefore, it is not permissible to acquire the statues mentioned in the question, even if they are for disposing of waste, due to the generality of the evidence contained in the prohibition of image-making and statues, and according to the قول of the majority of scholars.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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