Is it permissible to practice drawing animate beings to develop drawing skills, for the purpose of drawing cartoon characters for children?

The depiction of animate beings is forbidden by Islamic law, and its perpetrator is threatened with severe punishment. This is supported by noble prophetic narrations, such as the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, the makers of these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them: 'Give life to what you have created.'" And: "Indeed, the most severely punished people by Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers."

Therefore, studying the craft of cartoon making, even the purposeful ones, is impermissible for several reasons:

1. Distracting oneself from permissible and beneficial studies: A Muslim is commanded to seek lawful sustenance and avoid doubtful matters, and the price of an image-maker's work is among the forbidden things. 2. Committing a certain harm for a presumed benefit: Drawing animate beings is a certain harm, whereas the benefits hoped for from working with them after graduation are a presumed benefit.

Advice: Learn permissible designs, such as making trees and inanimate objects, or seek another beneficial and useful specialization free from doubtful matters, as Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) advised an image-maker.