Which Type Of Art Is Permissible?

Question:

Assalamu ‘Alaykum.
What would be considered permissible art? I am looking to get training in design and art to make it Islamic and teach children (and parents) what could be considered Islamic art and how to produce it.

I would also be interested in teaching art as therapy and would like to know any related rulings or etiquettes.

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

In general, except for a few matters, all type of art is permissible. One cannot draw or paint any living creature in detail, nor anything sinful to see, such as a person’s ‘awra or something which places any aspect of Islam in a negative light. Caricatures would also not be permissible.

Besides this, any form of art would seem to be permissible. The greatest form of it would be that which reminds of Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), which stirs the believing heart to love and thank Allah.

If you feel you can use it as a form of therapy and help others with it, be sure to intend to serve Allah’s creation to please Him. Thus, all your efforts will be an act of worship and rewarded accordingly.

May Allah bless you with the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.