Forbidden Faces; Part One: The Prophet (PBUH)

By Jane Fitzpatrick

Who may look upon the face of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? Is it forbidden to paint his portrait?

Depicting the image of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a controversial practice. Some believe it to be educational and inspiring, while others believe it is a path to idolatry.

“The Prophet” is the first installation of the Arts of Islam Miniseries: Forbidden Faces. Interact with the images and audio at your own pace and find out about some of the most beautiful yet divisive works of art in the Islamic tradition. 

Sources:

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30814555

2. https://www.apollo-magazine.com/prophet-muhammad-depictions-art/

3. https://theconversation.com/muslims-have-visualized-prophet-muhammad-in-words-and-calligraphic-art-for-centuries-150053

4. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53985407

5. https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2015/01/16/quran-prophet-images

6. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/figs/hd_figs.htm