Why do you say it's forbidden?

Question

Art is not forbidden in Islam. So why do people, especially in the west, like to make this claim about us? I, myself, love to do arts and crafts, and many muslim women have asked me to crochet blankets for their soon-to-be-born babies after seeing the ones I made for my own. What does this site make you feel about art in Islam? How do you feel about this quote?

"The faith of Islam arose in western Arabia with God's revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (ca. 570-632) by the angel Gabriel. These sacred messages were written down by 651 as the holy book, the Qur'an. In 622 Muhammad left Mecca for Medina in a journey called the hijra which marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar (1 A.H.). In 630 he designated Mecca the spiritual and geographical center of Islam."

http://www.dia.org/collections/ancient/islamicart/islamicart.html

Answer 1

False info getting spread around...
and there are muslims who don't even believe in Photos...I respect their beliefs but there are plenty of fatwas even from saudi that say photos are not haram...u just can't make an idol out of them
I love art too! I have a huge book on Islamic art as well..and another just on mosques...

Have you seen the art work of Peter Sanders?

Then again I guess it depends on what your definition of art is and what ur intention is too.....

EDIT: PHOTOS ARE NOT FORBIDDEN --photography is just light reflecting on paper ---now making images of ur own design is another subject

Answer 2

As a member of Western culture, I can assure you that not all people are as ignorant of Islam as you may suspect. Our media, much like the Eastern media, tend to focus on the negative - that which is more apt to provoke A) a reaction and , most importantly, B) that which draws in viewers.

So, we're shown what is commonly referred to as "radical Islam." And in the most conservative, extreme sects, it is common for women's roles to be severely restricted.

But, please, don't think all in the West beleive women are wholly second class citizens. I would also hope you understand that not all Americans have a negative, ignorant view of your culture or religion. There are Western Christians even who understand this as well (though not many, I'll grant you).

Perhaps we can both try to inform ourselves of what we percieve and what is truly percieved about us. It's difficult to cut through the tripe thrown out by television, newspapers, etc., but its possible.

As to the quote, I don't feel a lot about it other than it being the accepted (as it should be) view of Islam's founding by those who practice that faith. I personally do not believe the holiness factor (message from Gabriel), just as I do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus.

But, I respect each equally. They're not my beleifs, yet I know them to be truths for others.

Answer 3

Are you talking about the Qur'an or the Sunnah or the Haditz - which do you believe?. The Sunnah and Haditz are "add ons" to the Qur'an. The Qur'an says its a complete book, no need for alterations, additions or deletions or other books to complement IT. If its not contained in the Qur'an, it cannot be forbidden for whatever reason irrespective whether its from "other" books. Reading theQur'an will help to clear your doubts.

Answer 4

I beleive that it states specifically in the Koran that a woman should not paint or draw and that she must not own or play a musical instrument. It says nothing of knitting, weaving or things such as that which are usefull. I beleive the reason for this is that something like painting and playing music is not constructive and does not add to the home in a concrete way whereas making blankets and things such as sewing does.

Answer 5

Of course, the types of arts and crafts your talking about is allowed. I especially love all the beautiful Islamic patterns seen all throughout mosques.

But what's not allowed is the drawing of living objects. Only Allah swt has the power to create, not us.

Answer 6

Not enough Madonna portraits. Although I like some of the stylistic and mathematical patterns used.
I will not argue with you about it being forbidden. I know that in the progressive places, it has prospered and is now accepted, the writer underneath me would seem to disagree. I personally like art.
It is a debatable point, however.

Answer 7

no art is not forbidden but picture od humans and animals are completely forbidden. on the day of judgement u will be asked to make those things real

Answer 8

I just saw pictures of an exhibit of contemporary Iranian art. And those beautiful carpets! I know better.

Answer 9

Islam is a lie. Muhammad was a pervert and a murderer. If Islam is not put down they will consume the entire world, including the U.S. Government for sure all weak minded Americans. This is what I think about Islam thank you for asking.

Answer 10

I thought making images of humans and animals was forbidden in Islam. . . but ok.