What is the ruling about establishing an animated cartoon TV business which contains drawings of living objects?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

If cartoon films are made to call to righteousness, teach Islamic etiquettes and beneficial sciences (knowledge), and if they are free from music, then there is no harm in making them or trading in them, because the majority of scholars made a distinction between the forbidden films, and portrayals, and those meant to teach, benefit and entertain children?

Bukhari and Muslim reported that Aisha (Radiya Allahu Anha) used to play with dolls, when she was young in the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) home.

Qadi Iyad said: 'This means that it is permissible to play with them and they are distinct from the pictures and sculptures that are forbidden.  The majority of scholars are of the view that it is permissible to play with them.'

However, if these films contain moral or ideological perils and dangers, like those which show extraordinary powers that claim to control the universe, and present the struggle that is between these powers and the human being, then there is no doubt that this is a great sin, as it negates the Creator or it shows Him as similar to the creation.

The same thing applies to films which call directly or indirectly to Christianity or Judaism, or other false religions, films which show love and sex stories, or films that appeal to violence.  All these films are not permitted for a Muslim to make or trade in, because they contain absolute breaches of the religion of Allah, and because they invite children, young people and all viewers to such breaches and disobediences.

Allah knows best.