Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on mannequins displayed in some clothing stores and garment shops?
Answer:
Displaying mannequins representing women or men, dressed in indecent clothing, in public view at shops is forbidden and unlawful in Islam. This practice is contrary to Islamic modesty and often leads women towards indecency and immorality. Such displays are seen as an extreme form of immoral behavior and obscenity, which is completely against the pure nature of Islamic teachings.
This reprehensible act is considered haram (prohibited) and unlawful. It is not appropriate for a serious and noble individual to use such vulgar means to sell their goods. Using these mannequins is a false pretext for earning money. Even if the mannequins are headless, they still promote vulgarity and lack seriousness. This reflects a corrupt mindset. The prohibition and impermissibility of these dummies can be supported by the following arguments:
❀ Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah said: 'Who is more unjust than those who try to create something like My creation? Let them create a seed, a grain of barley, or a grain of wheat if they are truthful.'"
([Sahih Bukhari: 5953, Sahih Muslim: 4110])
❀ Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say:
"Whoever creates an image in this world will be tasked with breathing life into it on the Day of Judgment, but he will not be able to do so."
([Sahih Bukhari: 5963, Sahih Muslim: 211])
❀ Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be those who killed a prophet or were killed by a prophet, the leader of misguidance, and the image-makers among the image-makers."
([Musnad Ahmad: 407/1, with a reliable chain])
The creation of images is a gateway to idolatry and resembles Allah's creation. It encourages indecency and immorality and imitates the practices of disbelievers.
"The angels do not enter a house in which there are statues or images."
([Sahih Muslim: 4114])
It is evident that a house where the angels of mercy do not enter will not be blessed or showered with divine mercy.
"Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter."
(Quran)
Indecent advertisements and the use of images on products from various companies are all forbidden and prohibited.
"On the Day of Resurrection, the most severely punished people will be the image-makers."
([Sahih Bukhari: 5950, Sahih Muslim: 4109])
It is clear that making statues and images is a practice of the disbelievers. Hence, it is haram (forbidden) and sinful. Such sins can lead to deprivation of sustenance.
What is the Islamic ruling on mannequins displayed in some clothing stores and garment shops?
Answer:
Displaying mannequins representing women or men, dressed in indecent clothing, in public view at shops is forbidden and unlawful in Islam. This practice is contrary to Islamic modesty and often leads women towards indecency and immorality. Such displays are seen as an extreme form of immoral behavior and obscenity, which is completely against the pure nature of Islamic teachings.
This reprehensible act is considered haram (prohibited) and unlawful. It is not appropriate for a serious and noble individual to use such vulgar means to sell their goods. Using these mannequins is a false pretext for earning money. Even if the mannequins are headless, they still promote vulgarity and lack seriousness. This reflects a corrupt mindset. The prohibition and impermissibility of these dummies can be supported by the following arguments:
Argument ➊:
The Prohibition of Images and the Imitation of Allah's Creation
Creating images is considered one of the greatest temptations for the Muslim community, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanded their removal, prohibited their use, and warned sternly against those who engage in this practice. For example:❀ Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah said: 'Who is more unjust than those who try to create something like My creation? Let them create a seed, a grain of barley, or a grain of wheat if they are truthful.'"
([Sahih Bukhari: 5953, Sahih Muslim: 4110])
❀ Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say:
"Whoever creates an image in this world will be tasked with breathing life into it on the Day of Judgment, but he will not be able to do so."
([Sahih Bukhari: 5963, Sahih Muslim: 211])
❀ Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be those who killed a prophet or were killed by a prophet, the leader of misguidance, and the image-makers among the image-makers."
([Musnad Ahmad: 407/1, with a reliable chain])
The creation of images is a gateway to idolatry and resembles Allah's creation. It encourages indecency and immorality and imitates the practices of disbelievers.
Argument ➋: Obstruction to the Angels of Mercy
❀ The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:"The angels do not enter a house in which there are statues or images."
([Sahih Muslim: 4114])
It is evident that a house where the angels of mercy do not enter will not be blessed or showered with divine mercy.
Argument ➌: Promotion of Indecency
✿ Allah the Almighty says:"Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter."
(Quran)
Indecent advertisements and the use of images on products from various companies are all forbidden and prohibited.
Argument ➍: Imitation of Disbelievers
◈ Imam Muslim bin Sayyih mentions being with the Tabi'i Masruq in a place where there were statues of Lady Maryam (peace be upon her). Masruq said, "These are statues of the Kisra (Persian kings)," and added that he heard Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrate that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:"On the Day of Resurrection, the most severely punished people will be the image-makers."
([Sahih Bukhari: 5950, Sahih Muslim: 4109])
It is clear that making statues and images is a practice of the disbelievers. Hence, it is haram (forbidden) and sinful. Such sins can lead to deprivation of sustenance.
