We are studying at one of the universities, in the College of Science, in the Department of Biology, and during our studies we need to dissect some animals such as

The questioner : Your Eminence, the Shaykh, we are studying at one of the universities, in the College of Science, in the Department of Biology, and during our studies we need to dissect some animals such as frogs, mice, and others for the purpose of teaching and study. We also need to draw these animals in their entirety. If we do not do this, it will cause us harm in our academic progress. What is the ruling on this dissection and this drawing?

The Shaykh : As for the image, it is not permissible for you to draw these animals, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the image-makers and said: This indicates that image-making is among the major sins, because the curse is not pronounced except for a major sin, and the warning of severe punishment is not issued except for a major sin. However, it is possible for you to draw parts of the body, such as the hand, the foot, and the like, because life does not animate these parts. The apparent meaning of the texts is that what is forbidden is that which life can animate, as he said in some of the hadiths: As for dissection, if dire necessity calls for it, there is no harm in it. However, it is obligatory to do what ensures that these animals do not feel pain during the dissection. It is also obligatory to note that animals which are ritually impure after death, such as some animals that are not among those permitted for us to eat, must be avoided by a person because they are ritually impure.