Islamic Society: Ethics, Human Rights, Adornments & Recreation
Dilemma or Delusion
The society based upon Islamic principles is not the society of ascetics and hermits. Adornments, recreation and fine arts within limits of morality and decency are also for enjoyment of believers. Ethics and human rights are accorded high priority. Many such aspects projected as ‘Dilemma’ are nothing but ‘Delusions’.
"Say: Who hath forbidden the adornment of God which He has brought forth for His devotees, and the good things of His providing? Say: "All these things are for the enjoyment of the believers in the life of this world though shared by others; but these shall be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection. Thus do We make Our revelations clear for those who understand. Say: The things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to God for which he hath given no authority; and saying things about God of which you have no knowledge.”(Qur’an;7:32-33).~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Islam, A Religion That Appreciates Art And Design
Written by Nurhamiza Hj RoslanTuesday, 25 January 2011 07:19
Islamic calligraphy expert Ustaz Abdul Baki Abu Bakar said during the lecture that Islam is in fact a religion that appreciates the fineness of art and beauty and only forbids works of art that are sensual in nature that can bring negative effects to humans. Pieces that portray the image of god as well as human images and animals are also not allowed.Bandar Seri Begawan - The misconception that Islam and art do not go hand in hand was dismissed yesterday during a lecture on "Islamic Calligraphy and Art Design" held at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (Unissa).
Ustaz Abdul Baki, who had spent 15 years studying and practicing Islamic calligraphy, mentioned that many are familiar with Western artwork or the artwork of other religions but lack appreciation towards the artwork of Muslims because Islamic art does not create figurines and is perceived as not naturalistic.
"There are even those that judge the Quran and the religion of Islam saying that Islam does not go hand in hand with art and art is seen as an enemy," said Ustaz Abdul Baki.
He continued to say that there are also people who assume that Islamic art design lacks intellectual aspects.
"This clearly lowers the status of Islam," Ustaz Abdul Baki said.
Islam appreciates art, however, Muslim artists are differentiated from fellow artists who are non-Muslims because Muslims are not allowed to portray god in any other form like that which can be found in other religions, Ustaz Abdul Baki further said.
"Muslim artists are very articulate and know that Allah SWT who is infinite, cannot be materialised in any form or represented in a figurine," Ustaz Abdul Baki said.
The making of human images or animals is not allowed in Islam because it may lead to worshipping that can go against the syahadah (declaration of Islamic faith).
"Muslim artists cannot make any representation of humans or animals in their natural form. There are many hadiths that remind of the warning," he said.
Instead, art in Islam takes on the form of decorative art that uses floral motifs and geometric shapes to create beautiful designs. Apart from design art there is also the art of Islamic Calligraphy which is considered to be a holy form of art.
"Islamic calligraphy has played an important role in developing Islamic civilisation. It has developed its own and has valuable aesthetic features and can scan the Quran language or Arabic language accurately," said Ustaz Abdul Baki. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times