What is the ruling on the images in school textbooks?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
The images in the curriculum books?
Answer:
This is a matter for consideration and possibility. What appears to be the closest view—and Allah knows best—is that one should erase the heads. It is not something that is venerated, but it contains an element of resemblance to what is hung up, because it is lifted and placed down and raised. If it is easy to erase the heads, that is safer. It may resemble a cushion in some respects, because it may be placed on the ground, or something may be placed on it, and there may be a type of lack of pride and lack of respect. However, what is in books and magazines may be respected, may be placed in a high place, and may be circulated among people. Erasing it—erasing the heads—is preferable, as in the hadith of Ali:Riyad as-Salihin 1687. Erasing the head or cutting off the head is safer in magazines that have benefit, or books that have benefit, or by placing something on it, meaning: a piece of paper is pasted over the head.
Q: Is it sufficient if it is closed?
A: There is consideration in that; because a closed item does not remain closed, it is opened and lifted. So placing something on it is safer. It is not of the type of hanging curtain, and it is not of the kind of curtain drawn on the door and wall. It is something that is covered in most cases, except if the benefit is sought, then it is opened. As for what is on the cover, this must be removed; because it is exposed. What is on the cover, this must be removed.
Q: Is it required [that] the image [be] complete or a part?
A: The important thing is the head, if the head is found.
The images in the curriculum books?
Answer:
This is a matter for consideration and possibility. What appears to be the closest view—and Allah knows best—is that one should erase the heads. It is not something that is venerated, but it contains an element of resemblance to what is hung up, because it is lifted and placed down and raised. If it is easy to erase the heads, that is safer. It may resemble a cushion in some respects, because it may be placed on the ground, or something may be placed on it, and there may be a type of lack of pride and lack of respect. However, what is in books and magazines may be respected, may be placed in a high place, and may be circulated among people. Erasing it—erasing the heads—is preferable, as in the hadith of Ali:
Spare no portrait unwiped out
لا تدع صورةً إلا طمستهاQ: Is it sufficient if it is closed?
A: There is consideration in that; because a closed item does not remain closed, it is opened and lifted. So placing something on it is safer. It is not of the type of hanging curtain, and it is not of the kind of curtain drawn on the door and wall. It is something that is covered in most cases, except if the benefit is sought, then it is opened. As for what is on the cover, this must be removed; because it is exposed. What is on the cover, this must be removed.
Q: Is it required [that] the image [be] complete or a part?
A: The important thing is the head, if the head is found.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.
