What is the ruling on an image from which has been removed that which, if absent, life would not remain?
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The questioner : I heard some jurists say: The matter is that the image commanded to be defaced is the one that, if seen in its complete form, one would say: a person can live in this state. But if a part of it is separated, he cannot, meaning...
The Shaykh : Yes, meaning they said: If that which, if removed from the image, would cause life not to remain is removed, then it is permissible. This is the view of the scholars, the jurists, may Allah have mercy on them. They say: If that which, if removed from the image, would cause life not to remain is removed, then it is permissible. They cite as evidence for this the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the painters: they are told,.
And His saying:Riyad as-Salihin 1544. The spirit and life do not settle in half of the body, for example. Therefore, they said, may Allah have mercy on them: If that which, if removed from the image, would cause life not to remain is removed, then it becomes permissible.
So if the image is cut in half, for example, or if its head is cut off entirely, then it is permissible. Yes, in one of them, I think in one of the ones that came recently, they had a question.
The Shaykh : Yes, meaning they said: If that which, if removed from the image, would cause life not to remain is removed, then it is permissible. This is the view of the scholars, the jurists, may Allah have mercy on them. They say: If that which, if removed from the image, would cause life not to remain is removed, then it is permissible. They cite as evidence for this the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the painters: they are told,
Bring to life what you have created.
أحيوا ما خلقتمAnd His saying:
he will be asked to infuse spirit therein, which he will not be able to do
كُلِّف أن ينفخ فيها الروح وليس بنافخSo if the image is cut in half, for example, or if its head is cut off entirely, then it is permissible. Yes, in one of them, I think in one of the ones that came recently, they had a question.