Answered by: Maulana Maqtaur Rahman
Question
I wanted to ask if it is permissible to draw or paint a person with no eyes, nose, etc., or just like the silhouette of a head?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Firstly, to draw inanimate objects and beings which are non-living is permissible in Islam.
Secondly, if the drawing of living creatures is clear enough that the body parts/limbs are able to be recognised with ease, then this is not permissible in Islam.
Imam Ibn Abideen has mentioned in regards to those drawings which are permissible: “If a living creature is so small that the details of their limbs are not apparent to someone who looks down at them standing while they are on the ground…” [1]
With regards to your question, it will be permissible to draw a picture of a human being without drawing the eyes, nose, etc. A silhouette drawing will also be permissible according to the Islamic teachings of Quran and Sunnah.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Muqtaur Rahman
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1] Raddul-Muhtar, v.2 p.418