Anatomy (2):

Q1: I am an aspiring artist, and have run into a dilemma. The problem is that i am a portrait and figure painter. All praise is to Allah, my teachers say that I am very talented. I have to study anatomy of the human body. The problem being that colleges use nude figures to so so. What shall I do? Should I continue? My teachers often question me, that doctors are allowed to study anatomy, why aren't artists? Is art not considered as important to society?

A: It is unlawful to anatomize the corpse of a Muslim. Medical doctors are allowed to learn anatomy as part of the medical profession if saving the life of a Muslim will depend on it in the future so anatomizing the corpse of a Muslim will be the reason to save the life of a Muslim. This is the difference between legalising anatomy for medical doctors and not for others.

Q2: I believe I have a religous right to abstain from ANY participation in the dissection of animals in my science class because the haraam and innappropriate way in which the animals are raised and slaughtered violates my religous concerns for animals?

A: Dissection of animals is allowed for scientific research even if it does not agree with the emotional feeling towards the animal.