Is folding Origami-figures imitating living beings permissible if they do not have complete distinct facial features?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If the images of animate beings lack parts of the body that are essential for life without which life is impossible, such the head or chest – then the majority of scholars permitted them and excluded them from the prohibition.

However, if the image is complete but without facial features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, then some contemporary scholars have also permitted it.

Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

“As for the issue of (shapes made of) cotton, which does not show a clear image although it has some limbs, head and neck, but It has neither eyes nor nose, then there is nothing wrong with it because it is not considered to be competing with the creation of Allah.” [End of quote]

He also said: “If the image is not clear, meaning: it does not have eyes, nose, mouth and fingers, then it is not a complete image, and it is not considered to be competing with the creation of Allah the Almighty.” [End of quote – from Majmoo’ al-Fatawa]

For more benefit, please refer to Fatawa 336841, 323455, 380557 and 378187.

Allah knows best.