Is Creating Stop-Motion Animations with Toys Permissible in Islam?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is creating stop-motion animations using toys like Legos permissible in Islam, given it involves photographing toys in different positions to simulate movement?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
It will be permissible to create stop-motion animation if one does not depict toys with facial features and it has permissible themes that promote positive, educational, or neutral entertainment themes that are generally permissible.
This creative endeavor can be productive and enjoyable within Islamic boundaries if conditions are met.
Nature of Stop-Motion Animation
Stop-motion is a technique that involves capturing a series of photographs of objects—such as toys—to create the illusion of movement. Since this method does not focus on creating realistic images or drawings of living beings but rather uses existing objects (like Lego toys), it is not subject to the prohibition on image-making. However, it is essential to avoid depicting or describing facial features.
Incomplete Features
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Those who make images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them: ‘Bring to life that which you have created.’” [Bukhari, Muslim]
Many scholars regard the depiction of images with incomplete features (e.g., without nose, eyes, neck, etc.) as lawful. Therefore, their makers are not included in the warning because these pictures are not “competing” with Allah’s creation.
Pictures such as those in question are permissible to draw, which applies to all non-detailed images, even though they are living beings. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al Muhtar]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
– Is Making and Watching Hand Drawn Cartoons Permissible?
– drawing Archives
I pray this helps answer your question.
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
