Can I make AI images of people as a Muslim?
It depends, and scholars differ. Many scholars treat AI-generated images of people and animals like drawings of living beings, which classical scholars discouraged or forbade. Others treat them more leniently, closer to photos. Either way, images of prophets, immodest images and deepfakes of real people are clearly off-limits.
Why images of living beings are an issue
The Prophet ﷺ said the most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection are the image-makers (Sahih al-Bukhari 5950). The companion Ibn Abbas told an image-maker that if he must make pictures, he should make trees and things without a soul (Sahih al-Bukhari 2225). Classical scholars understood this as a warning about creating images of people and animals, especially statues and lifelike drawings.
Where AI images fit
- The stricter view: many scholars say an AI image is a newly created picture of a living being, not a capture of something real, so it's like drawing. They advise avoiding realistic images of people and animals, except for genuine needs.
- The more lenient view: some contemporary scholars, who already allow photos and simple illustrations for useful purposes, treat AI images more lightly, especially for education or design, as long as the content itself is clean.
- Common ground: landscapes, buildings, patterns, objects and calligraphy are fine for everyone. Faceless or non-realistic figures are a middle path many people take.
Since this is a new question, follow a scholar you trust. If you're unsure, staying with images "without a soul" is the safest choice.
What's off-limits for everyone
- Images of prophets: Muslims don't depict the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or other prophets, and AI is no exception.
- Immodest images: generating revealing or sexual images is haram, whether or not the person is "real."
- Deepfakes: putting a real person's face into a fake photo or video is lying and can harm their honor. The Prophet ﷺ said your blood, your property and your honor are sacred to one another (Sahih al-Bukhari 67).
- Mocking or deceiving: fake images made to humiliate someone or spread false news fall under lying and harm.
Fake images also make it harder for everyone to know what's true. The Quran tells believers to check information before acting on it:
Practical choices
If you need visuals for a blog, school project or business, try AI for backgrounds, scenery, objects and icons. For people, consider real photos with permission, or simple, non-realistic figures. For more on images, see Is it haram to take selfies? and Can I keep teddy bears and stuffed animals as a Muslim?
- Many scholars treat AI images of people like drawings.
- Others are more lenient, closer to photos.
- Never depict prophets or create immodest images.
- Deepfakes of real people are lying and harm.
People also ask
What if my phone rings while I'm praying?
Silence it with one quick movement and keep praying. A small movement doesn't break your prayer, but never answer, talk or read the screen.
Read the full answer →Can I read the Quran from my phone during prayer?
It depends. Many scholars allow it in voluntary prayers like Tarawih; Hanafis say it invalidates prayer. In fard prayers, recite from memory.
Read the full answer →Can I use an anonymous account online as a Muslim?
Yes. An anonymous account is allowed and can protect your privacy, but don't use it to troll, deceive, backbite or flirt.
Read the full answer →Can I write 'AS' or 'pbuh' instead of the full words in messages?
Yes, it's not haram, but writing the blessings and salam in full is better, since the reward is tied to the actual words.
Read the full answer →Can I share funny memes about Islam?
It depends. Memes about Muslim daily life are generally fine, but never mock Allah, the Prophet, the Quran or worship.
Read the full answer →