Can I pray salah at my shop in pressence of mannequins?

Question:

I have an Islamic Store where we sell all Islamic products including Abayas, Thobes, Hijabs, Books, Attars etc. We have some mannequins to display Abayas, and have some female head forms to display Hijabs. Am I allowed to use these mannequins in my shop?
If I offer my salah in one side of the store where all these mennequins are way behind me, will my salah be valid? What if I cover their eyes with a masking tape, is it still considered same?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Salah is one of the most fundamental pillars of Islam. One should strive to safeguard it in every way possible. This also includes making sure that the area where the salah is performed is acceptable.

The mannequins are categorized as statues if they are carved out showing features of an animate being. If the mannequins are such that their heads are removed, or their face is wiped off such that it does not show any resemblance to living being, then they are not considered statues.¹

Having said that, if salah is performed in the presence of such mannequins which are considered statues, then such a salah will be makruh (disliked), and should be repeated.² Fuqaha’ have mentioned that the degree of dislike will differ according to the placement of the statue. If it is in front of the musalli (worshipper) then it is most disliked because of the resemblance of worshipping the idol. Thereafter it is slightly less disliked that the statue be above him, then on his right and then on his left. However, if the statue is behind his back, then it is not disliked, since there is no resemblance of worshipping the idol.³

As for using such mannequins in your store, as long as you either remove their heads, or scrape our their faces completely, it will be permissible to use them. Many such mannequins have very detail carving showing body curves, bosom/chest and other body parts; hence always make sure to keep them covered. If it is possible to use mannequin stands which do not have any detail body features, then opt for that alternative.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed al-Mahmudi
Darul Iftaa wal Irshaad, Montreal
www.fatwa.ca