What is the ruling regarding the physical alteration of an image (statue or depiction) to remove religious prohibition?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
When the head of an image is severed, the associated dislike (Karahah) is lifted. This view is supported by Ibn Abbas and 'Ikrimah, who define the image (Surah) as being constituted by the head; therefore, removing the head means it ceases to be a prohibited image. The permissibility is evidenced by the report that Jibril (Gabriel) did not enter the Prophet's house until three things were removed or altered: the statues on the door, the curtain with images, and the dog. Regarding the statue on the door, the instruction was to cut off its head until it resembled a tree, indicating that severing the head removes the prohibition.
Supporting text
If the removed part is such that the depicted animal cannot remain alive without it—such as the chest or abdomen—or if the head is made separate from the body, it is not included under the prohibition because the image of the complete living entity is no longer preserved, similar to severing the head.