RESTRICTION ON FIGURAL IMAGERY
Islamic arts promote unique Islamic sense of decoration, making use of geometric patterns, calligraphy, vegetal and floral motifs, scenic views. Figural images of humans and animals are forbidden to be displayed in order to distance one from idolatry. Among the sayings of our beloved Prophet (s.a.w.) are: 1. Abu Hurairah r.a. reported that the Prophet s.a.w. said, 'Angels do not enter a house where there are tamathel(statues) or tasawir(images). (Sahih Muslim). 2. Ayishah r.h. reported she had bought a cushion having tasawir(images) on it. When Allah's Messenger saw it, he stopped at the door and did not enter. She said, 'O Allah's Messenger! I turn to Allah and His Messenger in repentance. What sin have I committed? '. The Prophet s.a.w. replied, 'What is this cushion for?' I said: 'I have bought it for you to sit and recline on.' Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said, 'The makers of these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrectio