Can women wear gold liras that have a picture?

2-9-2015 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it permissible for women to adorn themselves by wearing gold liras that are called "George" because they have the head of that George engraved on them?

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Answer:

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, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Pictures found on the gold liras that are hanged in the necklaces and the like are very similar to sculptures, even if they are manufactured by machines and nothing appear from them except the face and neck.

They may also be similar to photographs; however, their similarity to sculpturing is stronger, for the features of the face are prominent. In spite of that fact, as long as such images lack the organs that are essential for regarding a creature as a living being, such as the belly, then, according to the preponderant opinion, wearing them is permissible. The outstanding scholar Ibn Qudaamah said:

If something is cut off from an image without which a living being could no longer live, such as the chest or belly, or that its head is separated from the body, then it will not be prohibited because the image does not remain (will have no indication) after it is removed. It is like cutting off the head. [Al-Mughni 8/111]

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: "If the head is cut off, there is no image." [Al-Bayhaqi]

Accordingly, wearing such items is permissible if it does not imply a form of exaltation or honoring of the illustrated figure. It should not stir instincts, spread immorality or call to falsehood.

If the Muslim women refrain from wearing such things, this will be more appropriate for them as long as the image is put on the gold liras that are meant for adorning the chest. In a case like this, it is difficult to believe that such an act does not imply a form of exaltation. 

Allaah Knows best.