Art in Islam

[Yusuf B]

Assalamualaikum

In my former life (Pre-Muslim ) I was a part-time painter and artist.

I painted landscapes mainly, people said I had talent and I sold quite a few of my pictures.

I know making pictures of people and living things is prohibited, but is there a place for artistic ability in Islam, or is this something I should just consider as part of my past ?

Thanks

Yusuf

[Saeed M]

Of course there is a place for artistic ability in Islam. Painting landscapes, buildings, trees and geometrical/fractal art is all permissibile.

The only thing forbidden is making pictures/likenesses of animate living things, i.e., human beings and animals.

In my opinion you can continue to paint your landscapes (without animals and humans) and even venture into Islamic calligraphic art if you are inclined to do so. This way your selling calligraphic art would also be a form of da'wah and reward.

Something along these lines maybe

[rahma]

wa alaikum assalam wr wb,

Most definately! The Visual Dhikr Blog posts a lot of interesting stories about muslim artists and art. And on my blog, I list a number of muslim artists' websites.

My (non muslim) grandfather was a painter as well, and I have several of his landscapes hanging on my walls.

[Yusuf B]

Assalamualaikum Saeed & Rahma

Thankyou for the replies - I will not hang up my brush yet then

Yusuf

[Amira Shems Eddine]

Assalamu Alaikum Brothers and Sisters - Yes, Yusuf, there is a home for your art. "Pre-Revert" I am a stone cutter and jeweler who specialized in religious articles. My other half's hobby is fine Moroccon/Maghrib inlay. We both see a need for work in the umma and a way to place the name of Allah (swt) as well as blessings where our work goes. There are a number of really interesting books on Islamic Geometry (one in particular bv Doud from Wooden Books) and artwork that explain how artwork in Islam is centered around sacred mathematics that bring one back to numbers, form, that directs one to Allah (swt) and the Prophet (pbuh). For example, many designs you see in the masjid and ancient tombs are exactly designed for the number of words in a particular Surah.

As everyone has said, avoid likenesses. The purpose of our work is to exalt Allah as the One.

Beslama
Amira Shems Eddine