Saudi fatwa bans snow camels and snowmen

Following snowfall in northern areas of Saudi Arabia, local residents drew on their imagination and sense of fun, braving the cold weather to build snow camels in a rare tribute to the local culture.

However, religious scholar Mohammad Saleh Al Minjed, has said that building snowmen or snow animals was not acceptable in Islam.
The fatwa said that building snowmen or any replica of an animal, even if it is for fun or recreation, could not be condoned.
Only lifeless things, such as ships, fruit and buildings could be imitated, the fatwa said.