What is the ruling on superimposing a human face or head onto a cartoon character or another human without altering the features and without intending corruption?

It is forbidden to alter or beautify photographic images, as this falls under the prohibited drawing, according to the majority of scholars. This applies whether the image is real or imaginary. The proof for this is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered the removal of a curtain (dirnūk) that had horses with wings depicted on it. This indicates the prohibition of depicting animate beings, even if they are imaginary.

The basis for the prohibition is that the image depicts animate beings, whether it is a sculpture, a painting, or a textile, and regardless of the tool used, whether it is natural or imaginary, and whether it is beautiful or ugly or mere outlines. This is due to the generality of the texts and because it involves imitating Allah's creation and serves as a means to shirk (polytheism).

If the alteration of an image is for the purpose of deception or harming a person, then this is even more strictly forbidden and sinful.