Is a Designer Responsible for How Others Use Their Artwork?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
If a designer’s artwork is used in unintended ways—such as tattoos, immodest clothing, or cartoon prints—are they sinful?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
A designer is not accountable for how others use their work if their intention and direct actions were lawful. Allah (Most High) says,
“No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another.” [Quran, 35:18]
However, one should take reasonable precautions if misuse is foreseeable. If a designer knowingly creates work for a prohibited purpose, this would be unlawful, and they should avoid it. Otherwise, they are not responsible for others’ choices.
To minimize concerns, designers can clarify licensing terms, choose ethical projects, and avoid work likely to be misused.
And Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
