Islamic Ruling Prohibits Sculptures of Living Beings, Says Fatwa Council
Photo: Huraa Council
The Supreme Council for Fatwa has issued a statement reaffirming that Islam prohibits the creation of monuments depicting living beings.
The council linked this ruling to historical Islamic teachings, noting that Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) instructed his companions to destroy idols following the conquest of Makkah. It added that the Prophet’s companions continued to place strong emphasis on eliminating idols even after his passing.
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ދިރާސާ ކަރުދާސް: ދިރޭތަކެތީގެ ސޫރަ ސިފަވާގޮތަށް މޮނިއުމަންޓްފަދަ ތަކެތި ހެދުމާއި ބެހެއްޓުމުގެ ޙުކުމް (ފަތުވާ 34)https://t.co/AWbBBVOdAp— Supreme Council for Fatwa (@fatwamajlis) December 16, 2025
According to the council, sculpting monuments in the likeness of pious or living figures can lead followers away from the true path of faith and towards misguided practices. The statement also cited Prophet Ibrahim’s prayer asking God to keep people away from idol worship, underscoring the seriousness with which Islam views such acts.
The council noted one exception to this prohibition: dolls used by children, particularly girls, for play. Islamic scholars have permitted this practice, explaining that such toys serve an educational purpose by helping young girls learn domestic responsibilities and how to care for children.
In recent years, many local islands have begun creating sculptures or monuments from various materials as unique decorations to welcome visitors to the island. However, some residents who oppose such creations have attempted to damage or destroy these structures.
