We therefore say: if a person acquires them because of the images they contain, then there is no doubt that this is prohibited. That is, if he finds a prohibited image in a magazine or newspaper and likes it, so he acquires it for that purpose, this is undoubtedly unlawful. Likewise, if he buys magazines in which images are published specifically for the images, this is unlawful. However, if they are acquired for knowledge, benefit, and keeping abreast of the news, then I hope there is no harm in this, in view of the hardship and difficulty involved. Allah, Exalted is He, says:

“And He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.” [al-Hajj 22:78]

Such images are not what the person intends, neither when purchasing nor when reading, nor are they of any concern to him.

But if a person has family members and fears that these images may include a handsome and attractive man by whom women may be tempted, then it is not permissible for that magazine or newspaper to be in his home. This prohibition, however, is incidental. Similarly, regarding utensils, food cartons, and the like, it may be said that they involve a degree of degradation, and therefore do not fall into the prohibited category.

The second issue concerns images with which children play. They are of two types:

The first type consists of dolls made of rags, wool, and the like. There is no harm in these, because Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, used to play with dolls during the lifetime of the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, and he did not object to this (1).