Why Islamic Art Fails to Portray Human Faces

The prohibition of depicting human and animal figures in Islamic art is a deep-rooted tradition that stems from religious and theological beliefs. This practice, known as Naskh (literally "writing" or "rejection"), has its roots in the messages conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Quran.

Shirk and Divine Worship

One of the primary reasons for this prohibition is the prevention of shirk, which refers to the act of associating partners with Allah (deities other than the one true God). In several religions, idolatry and worship of images of deities are prevalent. Given this, it was deemed crucial to strictly adhere to the teachings of Islam, which prohibit the creation and depiction of living beings as a means of worship.

The Religious Prohibition

There is a hadith (a saying or action of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)) that explicitly forbids the portrayal of anything with a soul. This hadith underscores the prohibition not only of human figures but also of any living creature, as these are considered the work of God and thus should not be imitated. The dearth of human and animal figures in Islamic art is seen as a way to avoid the risk of idolatry or paying unnecessary homage to created forms.

Historical and Cultural Context

From a personal perspective, growing up in a moderate Muslim household, I witnessed how the prohibition was often explained. While there is no explicit ban on creating art depicting human figures, the general rule is to steer clear of such representations. This prohibition is rooted in the belief that copying God's creations is a form of imitation that could be seen as hubris.

A famous hadith narrates that during the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) time, someone sought permission to create a human-like figure. When the Prophet saw the figure come to life, he immediately revoked the permission, stating that only God can breathe life into a sculpture. This exemplifies the fear and respect for God's divine abilities.

While some historical Islamic art does depict human figures, it is predominantly found in certain contexts and periods. In general, more modern Islamic art tends to avoid human faces, especially in artistic contexts that serve religious or educational purposes. However, certain artistic expressions might incorporate human forms, such as figures with no faces or upper bodies or stylized, almost abstract representations.

The Modern Experience

As someone with a penchant for creativity, I found myself engaging in drawing and art. While these activities may be considered sinful in the strictest sense, the understanding is that the intent behind such art does not involve idolatry or worship. In my household, we celebrated art and creativity, with my parents and sister often painting and depicting human figures in their artworks.

I have personally observed that modern "Islamic" artwork may vary widely in adherence to this principle. Educational and religious books for children might include human figures, but in historical art, this prohibition is more pronounced. The avoidance of human figures in traditional Islamic art is more of a cultural practice than a strict religious requirement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the absence of human faces in Islamic art is a complex topic with deep historical and theological roots. The prohibition is rooted in the fear of idolatry and the recognition of God's divine creation. While there is no strict prohibition on all forms of human depiction, the caution remains a significant aspect of Islamic art traditions.

My personal perspective and experiences have provided insights into how this practice is understood in everyday life, highlighting the balance between adherence to religious principles and the celebration of human creativity.