format_quote Originally Posted by
Tyrion
As far as I know, theres a difference of opinion here. (Well, not here... The other members of this forum tend to hold the view that it's totally and completely haram... From what I've seen anyway) Read the Ahadith that cover this, and see what makes sense to you.
I personally think it makes more sense that the references in Hadith literature to "image makers" are referring to those in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) who made polytheistic images/idols to be worshiped, and I've heard many opinions that hold this view. One of the main reasons given against drawing is that it shows that you are competing with the creation of God, but I think most artists can tell you that this simply isn't true... And honestly, the amount of punishment that is said to be given to those who create these images seems far too harsh if its seen as just normal drawings... I really think it makes a lot more sense to view those Hadith within the context of the times, and the polytheistic nature of that particular society. Don't take my word for it though, read some scholarly works if you like. :p .
Asalaamu Alaikum, with regards to drawing animate objects then the majority of opinions of scholars from what they deduced from Qur'an and Sunnah state that it is totally forbidden.
Brother we should not have this attitude that whatever is ordained upon us only applies to the past or in the times it was revealed. These rules will be applied and are relevant until the end of time. Islam is a dynamic way of life and is relevant until the end of times. If you have any difficulty in understanding any ruling or aspect of Islam then research into it properly before making your conclusion about it.
You mentioned it was relevant in those times because of the polytheistic nature of those societies but what about todays societies? We even have aspects of polythiesm even within Muslims. In the Indian sub continent you will see Muslims making paintings and pictures of peers and Awliya's (Saints) and hang them up and give offerings of food and other things to the pictures. They even make dua to the pictures asking for help etc. This is exactly why Islam prevents the making of any animate images because of the fact that they end up being worshipped in some form or another if not by first generation then generations afterwards.
So you will see aspects of polytheism within Muslims because of the fact that they are making pictures of saints and then when they see such images they bow their heads in respect and the next thing they will make dua to them asking them for help etc and then you will see them make offerings.
That is also how polytheism started in Hinduism as well because Veda's which is the main book for Hindus actually promotes monotheim and talks about one god but because Hindus started making images and statues it turned into polytheism.
Same with Sikhism where the images of the Guru's were made and Sikhs now bow to the images and pay their respect and even ask of the images of the Guru's.
The same with Christianity where they made images of the cross and Jesus (AS) when Jesus forbade the making of any images and then Constantine changed this and Christianity became polytheistetic.
The same with Buddhism where Sidartha Gautama who may have even of been a prophet started being worshipped after his images and idols of him was built but he never claimed that he was God but they worship his statues today. The same with many other religions and faiths in the past thousands of years and including this very day.
The very reason being because of the fact that the people started making images and idols and subsequantley the following generations started worshipping those images and idols. Why do you think it is forbidden for us to make any image of the Prophet? For this very reason because images end up being worshipped in some for or another.
[And the people of Moses made in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image of a calf (for worship). It had a sound (as if it was mooing). Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to the way? They took it for worship and they were Zalimun (wrong-doers).
The Noble Qur'an - Al-A'raf 7:148
Animals have been worshipped for centuries by many civilisations. Even until this day animals are worshipped by people who create their images. I hope you have a better understanding now of why Islam does not permit one making any images of animate beings.
And Allah knows best in all matters