Q. I have noticed Muslim sisters wearing hijabs and pashminas and other head coverings with animal prints on them, such as tigers, zebras, etc. and even some abbayas and gowns are decorated with different types of animal prints. I humbly ask the ruling about wearing such garments. My understanding is Muslims should NOT wear these prints, but if I am to tell Muslim sisters about this I want to have the evidence to support my argument.
A. Pictures and drawings, or prints of animate objects are totally haram in Islam. Hence, it will not be allowed for women to wear such hijabs, head coverings etc. on which there are animal prints. In many traditions, the Prophet (SAS) has outrightly condemned pictures, prints and drawings of animate objects.
In fact, Aisha (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SAS) did not leave anything in his possession which had pictures on it except that he broke it (Bukhari). It is also reported that Aisha (RA) had purchased a cushion which had pictures and drawings of animate objects on it. When the Messenger of Allah (SAS) saw it, he stood at the entrance and did not enter. Aisha (RA) says, ‘I saw displeasure on his face and I said, ‘I repent to Allah and His Messenger, what sin have I committed?’, the Prophet (SAS) said, ‘What is this cushion?’ Aisha (RA) said, ‘I purchased it for you to sit on and lean against.’ The Prophet (SAS) said, ‘Certainly, the people of these pictures (and drawings) will be punished on the Day of Judgement. It will be said to them, ‘Give life to that which you have made. And certainly Angels do not enter the homes wherein there are pictures.’ (Bukhari)
From these narrations, it becomes evident that pictures, drawings etc. of animate objects are totally prohibited in Islam. Hence, Muslims must not wear clothing, hijabs etc. which contain such.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan