Background: Some think that statues and images are forbidden completely in Islam no matter what situation or context.

In The Quran there is one example of Prophet Solomon who had workers make as he pleased, including statues/images:

They made for Solomon what he desired of enclosures, and statues/images, and pools of deep reservoirs, and heavy pots. "O family of David, work to show thanks." Only a few of My servants are appreciative. [34:13]

Thus, The Quran does not prohibit such things completely, it only prohibits being devoted to them or their worship:

When Abraham said to his father and his people: What are these images/statues to which you are devoted?
They said: We found our fathers worshipping them.
He said: Certainly you have been, (both) you and your fathers, in manifest error.
[21:52-54]

To prevent such misuse, it is likely their use would be limited, but that does not mean forbidden completely.

Say: “Who has forbidden the nice things that God has brought forth for His servants and the good provisions?” Say: “They are meant for those who believe during this worldly life, and they will be exclusive for them on the Day of Resurrection.” It is such that We explain the revelations for those who know. [7:32]

For example, it is common knowledge that early Muslim rulers minted coins with images on them, please see www.islamic-awareness.org/History/Islam/Coins/

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