Dr. Rif`at Fawzi, former professor of Shari`ah at Cairo Univ., states the following: “Originally, there is nothing wrong with animations and cartoons that are used for Da`wah purposes or to promote virtues. However, it is against the teachings of Islam to produce animations based on the characters of the Prophet’s companions as depicting them in animations, films and cartoons is really contrary to their high status of reverence and doing such an act scratches our respect to them. Hence, I see that depicting them in animations and other related stuff has to be avoided.
Having said this, I see that there is nothing wrong with other Islamic figures being depicted as long as they are not from among the Prophet’s companions (may Allah be pleased with them all.)