In the name of Allah most gracious most merciful I am a Muslim businessman specializing in educational toys and games focusing on Arab and Muslim needs. I am thinking of producing jigsaw puzzles with Arab/Muslim themes, particularly for children. One possibility is to produce puzzles made out of specific Ayat from the Holy Koran. I hope that this would become a great educational tool for young Mulsims to help them in learning the Koran. However, my main concern is whether it would be Haram to cut the Ayat in question in order to produce a jigsaw puzzle. Another idea inlcuding using pictures of holy sites such as Al-Kaaba, Dome of the Rock, etc.. or pictures of old Korans with sophistaced calligraphy and decorations. Again, my question is whether it would be considered Haram to cut such pictures or images in the process of making the jigsaw puzzle. Thank you

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It appears, Allaah knows best, that it is permissible to cut a verse of the Quran, or those pictures since the purpose of doing so is acceptable.

Al-'Abbaadi from the Shaafi'ee School of jurisprudence, said: "According to the correct opinion of our School, it is permissible to cut the letters of the Quran when reciting for the purpose of teaching for a necessity, and so forth."

Allaah Knows best.