Can eye-holed masks and faceless figurines be owned, sold, and displayed?

In the name of Allah the All Wise

1. Masks are not permissible to collect in Islam. The reasons being are that masks originated from tribes from around the world whose beliefs of worship consisted of things ranging from spirit beings, departed ancestors, invisible powers of social control, idols and animals, to name but a few. Hence, masks were made according to such beliefs and traditions. Other than tribal masks, it is common knowledge that many other religions use masks as a part of their worship, such as the Hindu religion because each mask is symbolic to a belief and can/does represent a Hindu idol. Thus to keep or collect masks of this sort is not permissible in Islam.

2. In light of the above Japanese Kabuki masks and opera masks are of similar genera to this, however even though it could be said that these masks were not so closely linked to religion but to the performances and playas in which they are worn because the acts require certain characters to appear or represent specific emotions. Again, this is a symbolic trait which is despicable, even though it is not altogether hold roots to other religions. Thus, these masks are also not permissible.

3. Buying and collecting masks is “Israaf” (wasteful spending). One can understand that it is a possible argument that one wishes to admire the colour and designs etc of masks by collecting them, however this possible argument is not valid in actual Shariah .Allah the All-Mighty says in the Noble Quran,

“Verily He (Allah Ta’ala) does not love the wasters.” (Surah Al-Anaam, verse 141)

4. Rasulullah said: “Angels do not enter a house which has either a dog or a picture in it” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

Figurines whether or not they are faceless are forms which resemble statues. This is even more evil then keeping pictures in the house, and will carry more sin than pictures.

Narrated by Al-Qasim: Aisha said that she hung a curtain decorated with pictures (of animals) on a cupboard. The Prophet tore that curtain and she turned it into two cushions which remained in the house for the Prophet to sit on. (Bukhari 3.659)

Narrated by Abu Talha: I heard Rasulullah saying; “Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal). (Bukhari 4.448)

5. Even if the figurines are headless in which case it could be said that they are permissible (and Allah knows best) to keep in ones home it is still not appropriate and is Makruh (disliked). Especially when they depicted the human body (male or female) in which the Awrah (the parts of the body which are obligatory to cover) of the person is exposed. To sell and display figurines which are headless is permissible but Makruh. If these same headless figurines/statues are in immoral and risqu? positions then it is forbidden.

If the figurines/statues are headless and they are abstract but depict immoral and risqu? positions then these too are not permissible and have no place in Islam.

Artificial mannequins which are headless, for people who sew or sell material and display cloths etc are permissible.

In conclusion, the collecting of masks is Mukruh Tahreemee, (very near to Haram) and a Muslim should refrain from falling into such futile activities, as the Ahaadith forbid this. The collecting of figurines/statues will also be under this ruling. To buy, sell and display such figurines will be permissible but Mukruh Tahreemee. It should be avoided at best

And Allah knows best

Reference:

Al-Quran Al-Kareem
Sahih Al-Bukhari
Fathul Baari
Fatawa Mahmoodiyah Vol 5, 6 and 12

6^th September 2005

Approved by Mufti Zubair Dudha (Founder of Islamic Tarbiyyah Academy, Dewsbury)

————————————–
Mufti Abubakr Karolia
Batley, U.K
Founder of the “Islamic Foundation for Theology and Research” (I.F.T.A.R)