Ruling on making a 3D model of a mosque for décor

Praise be to Allah.

In principle, making 3D models of inanimate objects is permissible, so long as that does not lead to anything that is contrary to Islamic teachings, such as if the model is of something that is venerated, such as the Ka`bah or al-Masjid al-Haram, and it is made in such a way that it may be exposed to disrespectful handling, such as taking it into the bathroom, so it is prohibited for that reason, or because it may become a means for the ignorant to seek barakah (blessing) from it or circumambulate it.

Hence a number of scholarly committees have issued statements that it is prohibited to make 3D models of the Ka`bah, as has been explained previously in the answer to question no. 192043.

It is say Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah, vol. 2, 1/323, regarding the making of 3D models of the Ka`bah and the Green Dome to attach to keychains:

It is not permissible to make 3D models of the holy Ka`bah or of the dome that is above the grave of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), or to trade in such items. That is because making them and trading in them, and distributing them leads to prohibited matters that we should beware of, and we should close every door that leads to them.

`Abd al-`Aziz ibn `Abdillah ibn Bas, `Abd al-`Aziz Al ash-Shaykh, `Abdullah ibn Ghadyan, Salih al-Fawzan, Bakr Abu Zayd. End quote.

If the matter is free of these concerns, such as if it is a 3D model of the mosque that is placed on the table and the like, so it is protected from being handled in a disrespectful manner, and is not something to which ignorant people could become attached, then in that case there is nothing wrong with making it in principle.

But if that involves extravagance and wasteful spending, then it is disallowed, because we are forbidden to be extravagant and waste money.

Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

{And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess}

[al-An`am 6:141]

{And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully

Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful}

[al-Isra’ 17:26-27].

Al-Manawi said in Fayd al-Qadir, 1/50: Excess means spending on something appropriate more than is appropriate. Wastefulness means spending on something that is not appropriate. End quote.

Al-Bukhari, 2408, and Muslim, 593, narrated that al-Mughirah ibn Shu`bah said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Indeed Allah has forbidden to you: disobedience towards mothers, burying daughters alive, and withholding what is due from him whilst demanding what is not his due. And He dislikes for you gossip, asking too many questions, and wasting of wealth.”

And Allah knows best.