Is the work of a graphic designer considered forbidden (haram), and what is the ruling on the earnings derived from it, especially when drawing animate beings for teaching children, or using images of people in design, or drawing natural landscapes? And does the ruling of prohibition apply to video recording, watching religious animated films, or using animated images (flash) that contain pictures of people?

The basic ruling regarding drawing animate beings is prohibition. However, certain exceptions have been made: drawings for the purpose of educating children, and electronic drawings free from Shariah-prohibited elements. Similarly, exceptions are made for drawings that are inherently incomplete, lacking a feature essential for the life of the animate being, such as the absence of a head, or eyes and a mouth, as seen in letters. It is preferable to draw inanimate objects such as the sky and trees. As for photographs taken with a camera, the preponderant view is their permissibility, unless something arises that renders them forbidden. This also applies to cartoon films.