Is one sinful for looking at statues and figurines of animate beings in markets and exhibitions, or on television screens, if one contemplates them? And is that considered an approval, or is there no sin upon him?

Erecting statues of animate beings is forbidden in Islamic law. However, merely looking at them in the street or on television, without veneration, is not sinful, as long as the image is not alluring. This is supported by the fact that idols were present around the Kaaba before the Conquest of Mecca, and the Prophet did not command people to lower their gaze from them. However, he destroyed them upon the Conquest of Mecca and commanded Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) not to leave any idol without effacing it.