Quora Answer: Is it True That a Muslim Cannot Render Anything as a Drawing?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Is it true that a Muslim cannot render anything as a drawing?” 

That is a very simplistic understanding by literalist Muslims.  Even at the height of Muslim civilisation, we had works of art, depictions of prophets and saints in hagiographies, and detailed drawings of the human body, plants and animals in scientific texts.  There is no real prohibition against drawing.  There is, however, a prohibition against creating icons, and statues for the purpose of worship.  When it comes to jurisprudential ruling, it is always important to consider the intent so that the real issue is addressed.



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