Is there a basis in the Shari'ah for embalming?

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : Is there a basis in the Shari'ah for embalming?

The Shaykh : What?

The questioner : Is there a basis in the Shari'ah for embalming, and does it fall under [image-making]?

Another questioner : Embalming.

The Shaykh : Embalming.

The questioner : Is that permissible?

The Shaykh : Embalming animals.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : What do you mean? Do you mean it has a basis in the Shari'ah?

The questioner : Image-making.

The Shaykh : No, image-making is either a drawing in pencil, a painting, a photograph, or a video. As for this, it is a person, as if he died and remained in the desert, preserving his position. This is not image-making.

The questioner : Embalming him means...

The Shaykh : There is no objection.

The questioner : Cosmetic surgery, O Shaykh.