Drawings of Insects and Plants

What is the ruling regarding drawing pictures of animals, insects and plants on a white board for educational purposes? The drawings are for the subject of Medicine, and may be important for educational purposes, keeping in mind the importance of the subject of Medicine and Agriculture.

Whichever of these drawings are of things that have souls, such as insects and all other living animals, then this is not permissible even if it is only on a board or paper, and even if the objective is to facilitate learning, because this is not a necessity, and because of the generality of the evidences [prohibiting] this. As for things that do not have souls, then it is permissible to draw them whether it is for education or otherwise.

With Allah lies all success, and may the Salat and the Salam be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwaa: # 6531
President: ‘Abdul ’Azeez ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Baz
Vice President: ‘Abdur Razzaaq al-‘Afeefi’
Member: ‘Abdullah ibn Ghudayan
Member: ’Abdullah ibn Qa’ood