Pictures in Islam
In Islamic tradition, the portrayal of living beings, particularly human figures and animals, has been a subject of religious scrutiny and theological debate. This stems notably from a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have cursed the creators of such images.
Etymology and Linguistic Notes
Arabic: الصورة al-sūra - meaning “picture” or “image.”
Turkish: resim - meaning “picture” or “drawing.”
Source of Prohibition
The primary source asserting this prohibition is found in the Mishkāt al-Masābīh:
<p><strong>“Muḥammad cursed the painter or drawer of men and animals,”</strong> (Mishkāt, book xii. ch. i. pt. 1).</p>
Context and Interpretation
Implications of the Hadith
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Religious: The Hadith implies a theological proscription against creating images of living beings, warning of the dangers of idolatry and implying the imitation of Allah’s act of creation.
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Cultural: Historically, this led to an emphasis on aniconism in Islamic art, resulting in the rich tradition of geometric patterns, calligraphy, and abstract designs instead of representational forms.
Different Schools of Thought
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Sunni Perspective: Sunni scholars have generally agreed on the prohibition but differ in the degree of strictness. For instance, some allow non-lifelike drawings, while others permit certain representations for educational purposes.
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Shi’a Viewpoint: Similar prohibitions are found, but interpretations can also vary.
Quranic Basis
While the Quran does not explicitly mention the prohibition of pictures, the rigorous stance in Hadith literature has significantly influenced Islamic legal and ethical stances.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Aniconism in Islamic Art” by Terry Allen
- “The Ban on Images in Islam: From al-Ḥadīth to Islamic Law” by Hadi Enayat
- “Islamic Aesthetics: An Introduction” by Oliver Leaman
- “Islamic Art and the Mediation of Image: Religious Icons to Modern Aniconism” by Wijdan Ali
Key Takeaways
- The prohibition of pictures in Islamic tradition is rooted in Hadith literature, not directly present in the Quran.
- The principle reflects concerns over idolatry and aims to prevent the imitation of divine creation.
- This stance has had a considerable impact on Islamic art, promoting a focus on non-representational forms like calligraphy and geometry.
Conclusion
Understanding the Islamic views on pictures provides valuable insights into the broader themes of Islamic theology and art. While interpretations and practices may vary, the underlying principles reflect deep religious commitments to avoid idolatry and preserve the sanctity of Allah’s unique role as the Creator.
