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What is the ruling on drawing out of necessity to avoid failing an exam, knowing that drawing is forbidden?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Drawing animate beings is forbidden and considered one of the major sins. If a student is compelled to draw, they must draw permissible images such as trees and rivers, or draw human figures without heads; because the prohibition is lifted from an image if it lacks a head. Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on drawing animals for educational purposes. He replied that it is not permissible due to the severe warning against image-makers. However, it is permissible to draw parts that are not infused with life, and if a student is put in this situation, they should draw an animal without a head. If a student is compelled to draw a complete image, the sin falls upon the one who commanded them, and the student may be in a state of necessity.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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