Why is religion difficult?!
I am a 18 year old female. I have been drawing for many years during my childhood and I had a dream to make a webcomic because I know deep down that I would have great success in it. But then I find out that drawing people is haram because it 'imitates Allah's creation'. I don't understand. Me drawing a cartoon character or an anime person is me copying gods PHYSICAL creation?! Really?! I feel stressed, angry and in general, frustrated. Due to that rule, I haven't been drawing since, but I so badly want to make a webcomic and the fact that I can't draw people is beginning to drive me insane. I don't have the intention to draw so that I 'can compete with god'. I wanted to create a impactful story for people like me, so that they could find some sort of motivation or encouragement in their life. Why must god do this to me?! WHY?! Religion feels suffocating sometimes, and when it banned drawing people it makes it more difficult for me to follow this religion. Why does islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away? Its not fair.
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
My dear sister in Islam, I resonate with your post as I am also your age and have also made sacrifices in the short life we have lived so far; and the fact that you left off what your heart burned for is really commendable, and not easy, and I praise you for that! However my sister, I warn you against the anger in your heart against the religion and the commands given with wisdom. Do you believe God is All-loving? Why would a Lord who loves you so much to the point where he has set you in a religion which will build for you a path to eternal pleasure enforce clear commands to harm you?
And I believe it is troubling you a lot due to a lack of understanding, so please read on! Also, there is a solution I can propose, that will help.
Funnily enough, your pain and situation is really relatable to this hadith below:
Imam Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas that a man came and said, "O father of 'Abbaas! My sustenance is from my manual profession and I make these pictures." Ibn 'Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said, "I will tell you only what I heard from Allaah's messenger. I heard him saying, 'Whoever makes a picture will be punished by Allah till he puts life into it, and he will never be able to put life into it.' "Hearing this, that man heaved a sigh and his face turned pale. Ibn 'Abbas said to him, "What a pity! If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees or any other unanimated object."
Imagine! A man who earned a living of drawing pictures. Reflect on his initial reaction to hearing the command. His face turned pale! However, to follow up, he was told that if does want to draw or make pictures, then in Islam drawing any unanimated object (something which does not live, have a soul inside of it) is perfectly fine! An example would be a tree, or a landscape setting, or a building etc etc.
Okay, I'm not done, let's continue on:
There can be a slight exception in your case. Read below:
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: With regard to dolls made of cloth, where the image does not have clear features, even though it has limbs, a head and neck, but there are no eyes or nose, there is nothing wrong with that, because this is not imitating the creation of Allaah.
End quote.
The Shaykh also said: Everyone who makes something that imitates the creation of Allaah is included in this hadeeth, which says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the image makers… and his words “The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers.” But as I said, if the image is not clear and if it does not have eyes or a nose or mouth or fingers, then it is not a complete image, and is not imitating the creation of Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted.
End quote.
This means, if you still really want to pursue drawing, creating your images whilst discarding some features at a small sacrifice, such as excluding the facial features as a whole or some as mentioned above should be fine in that case, as it is not a complete image!
Now that we have got past that, I wanted to give a bit of heartful advice my sister.
Something I cannot stress enough is venting your frustration of the religion to people who are not from the religion, and have knowledge within it or understand the beauty of it. Non-muslims, humans just as yourself, who speak from a closed-minded perspective will of course tell you to "chase your heart's desires!" In addition, they would encourage you to take on further acts which our religion has prohibited for our good and may lead to your own destruction.
This is matter of faith my dear sister. And it is also a matter of free will. Were you lied to, when you were told life is a test? Many a time, we may have to make sacrifices along the way, and seek better alternatives.
In your case alhamdulillah, there are still solutions, so you don't have to abandon your path of creativity!
'Why does islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away?'
Imagine someone who was willing to become apart of the religion after being inspired saw a statement such as this, which is not true at all. It may push people away from the religion or taint a bad image of it.
Further than drawing, poetry is another form of creativity which many muslims in the past would do! On top of that, early islamic scholars significant contributed to early developments in astronomy, medicine and mathematics! On top of that, you can look at islamic caligraphy, which is so intricate and beautiful and requires a great level of detail and creativity.
And many, many more...
May Allah bless you, and Allah knows best of course.
I wanted to leave with this: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights."
And I believe it is troubling you a lot due to a lack of understanding, so please read on! Also, there is a solution I can propose, that will help.
Funnily enough, your pain and situation is really relatable to this hadith below:
Imam Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas that a man came and said, "O father of 'Abbaas! My sustenance is from my manual profession and I make these pictures." Ibn 'Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said, "I will tell you only what I heard from Allaah's messenger. I heard him saying, 'Whoever makes a picture will be punished by Allah till he puts life into it, and he will never be able to put life into it.' "Hearing this, that man heaved a sigh and his face turned pale. Ibn 'Abbas said to him, "What a pity! If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees or any other unanimated object."
Imagine! A man who earned a living of drawing pictures. Reflect on his initial reaction to hearing the command. His face turned pale! However, to follow up, he was told that if does want to draw or make pictures, then in Islam drawing any unanimated object (something which does not live, have a soul inside of it) is perfectly fine! An example would be a tree, or a landscape setting, or a building etc etc.
Okay, I'm not done, let's continue on:
There can be a slight exception in your case. Read below:
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: With regard to dolls made of cloth, where the image does not have clear features, even though it has limbs, a head and neck, but there are no eyes or nose, there is nothing wrong with that, because this is not imitating the creation of Allaah.
End quote.
The Shaykh also said: Everyone who makes something that imitates the creation of Allaah is included in this hadeeth, which says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the image makers… and his words “The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers.” But as I said, if the image is not clear and if it does not have eyes or a nose or mouth or fingers, then it is not a complete image, and is not imitating the creation of Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted.
End quote.
This means, if you still really want to pursue drawing, creating your images whilst discarding some features at a small sacrifice, such as excluding the facial features as a whole or some as mentioned above should be fine in that case, as it is not a complete image!
Now that we have got past that, I wanted to give a bit of heartful advice my sister.
Something I cannot stress enough is venting your frustration of the religion to people who are not from the religion, and have knowledge within it or understand the beauty of it. Non-muslims, humans just as yourself, who speak from a closed-minded perspective will of course tell you to "chase your heart's desires!" In addition, they would encourage you to take on further acts which our religion has prohibited for our good and may lead to your own destruction.
This is matter of faith my dear sister. And it is also a matter of free will. Were you lied to, when you were told life is a test? Many a time, we may have to make sacrifices along the way, and seek better alternatives.
In your case alhamdulillah, there are still solutions, so you don't have to abandon your path of creativity!
'Why does islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away?'
Imagine someone who was willing to become apart of the religion after being inspired saw a statement such as this, which is not true at all. It may push people away from the religion or taint a bad image of it.
Further than drawing, poetry is another form of creativity which many muslims in the past would do! On top of that, early islamic scholars significant contributed to early developments in astronomy, medicine and mathematics! On top of that, you can look at islamic caligraphy, which is so intricate and beautiful and requires a great level of detail and creativity.
And many, many more...
May Allah bless you, and Allah knows best of course.
I wanted to leave with this: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights."
@Matti.kn01
Assalamualaykum. It was kind of you to reply and offer advice, but I don't think you quite understand how I feel by saying that you are warning me against the anger of my heart and how the command is given with wisdom, as the ruling still doesn't make sense to me. Some Muslims may have an easier time following islam and others don't, and that's valid. You say that my situation is troubling because I have a lack of understanding, but I truly don't understand why god would ban drawing humans as it is 'an imitation' of his creation, when what he created is something that no human can possibly imitate or recreate. Also, aren't flowers, trees and plants living things as they also need resources to develop? I still await for more responses but I appreaciate that you have taken the time out of your day to respond to my problem.
Assalamualaykum. It was kind of you to reply and offer advice, but I don't think you quite understand how I feel by saying that you are warning me against the anger of my heart and how the command is given with wisdom, as the ruling still doesn't make sense to me. Some Muslims may have an easier time following islam and others don't, and that's valid. You say that my situation is troubling because I have a lack of understanding, but I truly don't understand why god would ban drawing humans as it is 'an imitation' of his creation, when what he created is something that no human can possibly imitate or recreate. Also, aren't flowers, trees and plants living things as they also need resources to develop? I still await for more responses but I appreaciate that you have taken the time out of your day to respond to my problem.
Reply 3
Original post by Lofinde00
@Matti.kn01
Assalamualaykum. It was kind of you to reply and offer advice, but I don't think you quite understand how I feel by saying that you are warning me against the anger of my heart and how the command is given with wisdom, as the ruling still doesn't make sense to me. Some Muslims may have an easier time following islam and others don't, and that's valid. You say that my situation is troubling because I have a lack of understanding, but I truly don't understand why god would ban drawing humans as it is 'an imitation' of his creation, when what he created is something that no human can possibly imitate or recreate. Also, aren't flowers, trees and plants living things as they also need resources to develop? I still await for more responses but I appreaciate that you have taken the time out of your day to respond to my problem.
Assalamualaykum. It was kind of you to reply and offer advice, but I don't think you quite understand how I feel by saying that you are warning me against the anger of my heart and how the command is given with wisdom, as the ruling still doesn't make sense to me. Some Muslims may have an easier time following islam and others don't, and that's valid. You say that my situation is troubling because I have a lack of understanding, but I truly don't understand why god would ban drawing humans as it is 'an imitation' of his creation, when what he created is something that no human can possibly imitate or recreate. Also, aren't flowers, trees and plants living things as they also need resources to develop? I still await for more responses but I appreaciate that you have taken the time out of your day to respond to my problem.
Wa'alaykum salam wa rahmatullah, no problem! I'm no person of knowledge so I just do my part in doing research and telling you what the people of knowledge have said and other valid sources (quran/hadith). I understand where you are coming from, so i'll try to answer:
In terms what you are allowed to draw without any issue, they do not have any soul within them. In Islam, we believe that animals have souls, whilst what you mentioned, such as plants, do not have souls breathed into them. HOWEVER, on a scientific basis, of course a plant classifies as 'living', in the sense that it contains cells and grows through natural processes etc. However my sister, on a religious basis, there is no proof that these things contain a spirit. We as humans, have souls breathed into us, and when we pass away one day, this soul will return back to its Creator (Allah).
That is also the case with animals.
A proof in this is that on the day of judgement, Allah's mercy will be so vast, that even the animals you see around you in the planet today will be brought to life again, and the oppressed animals will get their right back, before being ordered to become dust again.
An evidence of this is in the qur'an where when referring to this Day, it is said: {And when the wild beasts shall be gathered together.} [Quran 81:5]
Now, in terms of your other point "why god would ban drawing humans as it is 'an imitation' of his creation, when what he created is something that no human can possibly imitate or recreate. Firstly, we need to remember that this ruling came through authenticated hadiths (narrations of the prophet SAW) who doesn't speak from his own accord, may peace be upon him. Now, you are right, God is the best of creators. However, the sole meaning of 'imitating' is literally to try and copy something as one definition. Obviously, we cannot perfectly resemble God's creation, however, attempts are made by artists to try to imitate or copy it as best as possible to their artistic ability.
Now I see another problem you face, that being having trouble to understand this ruling.
Why is it there in the first place?
Read below:
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"Undoubtedly the Messengers (blessings and peace of Allah be upon them) may tell people of matters that their reason cannot comprehend, but they do not tell them of anything that people know on the basis of reason to be impossible. So the Messengers tell people of that which is rationally incomprehensible (that is, beyond the grasp of reason), but it is not impossible. So whoever would like to comprehend by his reason what the messengers said is akin to those concerning whom Allah, may He be exalted, said:“And when there comes to them a sign (from Allah) they say: ‘We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allah had received. Allah knows best with whom to place His Message”
[al-An‘aam 6:124]"
END
What are we trying to say? There are some matters in this beautiful religion, or rulings as such, that may not make complete sense, something you cannot comprehend or grasp completely from your limited intellect as a creation of the All-Knowing. For example, the majority of things based in rulings made impermissible you can grasp to some extent. For example, drinking alcohol is prohibited, as it makes one drunk and can lead to harm in society. This is clear right? Or, taking life by killing wrongfully is prohibited, as life is made sacred by Allah.
Even still, I did try to find something behind this ruling since you persist:
Understand many passionate artists like yourself have the same question. You affirm that you are not trying to compete with Allah in terms of the creation, and you have good intentions.
Read below: "The Muslim should submit to the teachings of Islam and not argue with them by saying, "But I am not worshipping them or prostrating to them!" If we think about just one aspect of the evil caused by the prevalence of photographs and pictures in our times, we will understand something of the wisdom behind this prohibition: that aspect is the great corruption caused by the provoking of physical desires and subsequent spread of immorality caused by these pictures."
At the end of the day my dear sister, there are clear ways you can still pursue your dream. Do not cling on to this persistence of trying to dig at a clear-cut wisdom behind this particular ruling or arguing with it, as such ignorance can be comparable to the disbelievers in the past who asked Allah (swt) to reveal himself in order to prove his existence, or asked the Prophets to do miracles to prove they are true. What is interesting, that even though miracles were performed by the prophets, the people still refused to believe, and called it magic.
Allah says in the qur'an as an example:
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about the spirit. Say, “Its nature is known only to my Lord, and you ˹O humanity˺ have been given but little knowledge.”
17:85
There is greater knowledge and wisdom behind rulings that me or you do not have the answer to all the time in all cases my sister. I don't have much time, but maybe try to research further with an open heart, and be accepting of this. At least there are still ways you can pursue your dream! How much things have been made haram, and how many things have been made halal to us?! It's incomparable almost, we have a lot of freedom, but there are boundaries in place we cannot exceed. Please ask more if need be on any other matter or concern you have and I'll try help
Original post by Lofinde00
I am a 18 year old female. I have been drawing for many years during my childhood and I had a dream to make a webcomic because I know deep down that I would have great success in it. But then I find out that drawing people is haram because it 'imitates Allah's creation'. I don't understand. Me drawing a cartoon character or an anime person is me copying gods PHYSICAL creation?! Really?! I feel stressed, angry and in general, frustrated. Due to that rule, I haven't been drawing since, but I so badly want to make a webcomic and the fact that I can't draw people is beginning to drive me insane. I don't have the intention to draw so that I 'can compete with god'. I wanted to create a impactful story for people like me, so that they could find some sort of motivation or encouragement in their life. Why must god do this to me?! WHY?! Religion feels suffocating sometimes, and when it banned drawing people it makes it more difficult for me to follow this religion. Why does islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away? Its not fair.
Regardless of whether we understand the reasons behind the rulings or not, it is upon us to submit. This is what makes us Muslims because 'Islām' means submission. Allāh said (meaning): {The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful.} [an-Nūr 24:51]
When we don't know about Allāh, it leads us to thinking "Why must Allāh do this to me?" and "Religion makes life hard". If we truly understood that Allāh has expansive knowledge and wisdom that we would never be able to fully comprehend, only then would we be completely pleased with his rulings and submit to them. Allāh said (meaning): {But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you do not know.} [Baqarah 2:216]
Allāh said (meaning): {Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] Messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allāh?” Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.} [Baqarah 2:214]
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested. But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allāh will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:2-3]
It's sad that there were people who were tested with extreme hardships like poverty, whereas we are complaining about silly little drawings! The question is not "Why would Allāh care about something as small as drawings?", rather the question is "Am I willing to risk being punished for something as small as drawings?" Know that the Prophet ﷺ said (meaning): “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better.” [Musnad Aḥmad 22565 - Sahīh (authentic) according to al-Albanī]
As for creative outlets that are suitable for Muslims, then there are plenty. When Allāh closes one door, he leaves another door open, like in his statement (meaning): {Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But Allāh has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.} [al-Baqarah 2:275] The one who says that Islām takes the dreams of creative Muslims away perhaps is not creative enough as they are not able to think of alternatives to drawing living beings. The other brother who replied to you mentioned the narration of Ibn 'Abbās (the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ), in which he gave an alternative to the man by suggesting drawing inanimate objects like trees. You are not allowed to draw things that have souls (humans, animals, angels etc.) but as for trees and plants, while they are "biologically living", they do not have souls so you can draw them. Knowing this, you can draw and paint things such as landscapes as well as things like calligraphy and so on.
You mentioned that you want to use drawing so that people could find "motivation and encouragement in their life". In that case, why don't you start studying Islām so that you teach it correctly to people? Allāh said (meaning): {Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allāh. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allāh hearts are assured. Those who believe and do good, for them will be bliss and an honourable destination.} [ar-Ra'd 13:28-29]
{And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.} [Tā Hā 20:135]
Drawing will only give people a quick fix, and it won't last. Teaching people about Allāh, patience and all the other aspects of the religion is what brings true happiness to people and will give them the correct motivation and encouragement. On top of that, you will be rewarded for it. Start with learning the basics of Islām and work your way up until you have a strong understanding, then you can teach people.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said this about seeking Islamic knowledge and teaching it (meaning):
"Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. People do not gather in the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, but that tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near Him" [Sahīh Muslim 2699]
“When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1631]
“The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like my virtue over the least of you. Verily, Allah, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in his hole and the fish, send blessings upon the one who teaches people what is good.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2685 - Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Tirmidhi]
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make him traverse a path to Paradise. Verily, the angels lower their wings in pleasure for the seeker of knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the fish in the depths of the water, seek forgiveness for the scholar. The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over the stars. Verily, the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets do not leave behind gold or silver coins, but rather they only leave behind knowledge. Whoever takes it has taken hold of an abundant fortune.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2682 - Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani]
I would be happy to help if you need to know anything else.
Original post by I7V
As-salaamu 'alaykum. I will address the route of the problem so that it will help with understanding and accepting this ruling as well as others. Allāh said (meaning): {It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allāh and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allāh and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.} [al-Ahzāb 33:36]
Regardless of whether we understand the reasons behind the rulings or not, it is upon us to submit. This is what makes us Muslims because 'Islām' means submission. Allāh said (meaning): {The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful.} [an-Nūr 24:51]
When we don't know about Allāh, it leads us to thinking "Why must Allāh do this to me?" and "Religion makes life hard". If we truly understood that Allāh has expansive knowledge and wisdom that we would never be able to fully comprehend, only then would we be completely pleased with his rulings and submit to them. Allāh said (meaning): {But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you do not know.} [Baqarah 2:216]
Allāh said (meaning): {Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] Messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allāh?” Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.} [Baqarah 2:214]
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested. But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allāh will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:2-3]
It's sad that there were people who were tested with extreme hardships like poverty, whereas we are complaining about silly little drawings! The question is not "Why would Allāh care about something as small as drawings?", rather the question is "Am I willing to risk being punished for something as small as drawings?" Know that the Prophet ﷺ said (meaning): “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better.” [Musnad Aḥmad 22565 - Sahīh (authentic) according to al-Albanī]
As for creative outlets that are suitable for Muslims, then there are plenty. When Allāh closes one door, he leaves another door open, like in his statement (meaning): {Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But Allāh has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.} [al-Baqarah 2:275] The one who says that Islām takes the dreams of creative Muslims away perhaps is not creative enough as they are not able to think of alternatives to drawing living beings. The other brother who replied to you mentioned the narration of Ibn 'Abbās (the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ), in which he gave an alternative to the man by suggesting drawing inanimate objects like trees. You are not allowed to draw things that have souls (humans, animals, angels etc.) but as for trees and plants, while they are "biologically living", they do not have souls so you can draw them. Knowing this, you can draw and paint things such as landscapes as well as things like calligraphy and so on.
You mentioned that you want to use drawing so that people could find "motivation and encouragement in their life". In that case, why don't you start studying Islām so that you teach it correctly to people? Allāh said (meaning): {Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allāh. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allāh hearts are assured. Those who believe and do good, for them will be bliss and an honourable destination.} [ar-Ra'd 13:28-29]
{And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.} [Tā Hā 20:135]
Drawing will only give people a quick fix, and it won't last. Teaching people about Allāh, patience and all the other aspects of the religion is what brings true happiness to people and will give them the correct motivation and encouragement. On top of that, you will be rewarded for it. Start with learning the basics of Islām and work your way up until you have a strong understanding, then you can teach people.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said this about seeking Islamic knowledge and teaching it (meaning):
"Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. People do not gather in the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, but that tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near Him" [Sahīh Muslim 2699]
“When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1631]
“The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like my virtue over the least of you. Verily, Allah, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in his hole and the fish, send blessings upon the one who teaches people what is good.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2685 - Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Tirmidhi]
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make him traverse a path to Paradise. Verily, the angels lower their wings in pleasure for the seeker of knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the fish in the depths of the water, seek forgiveness for the scholar. The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over the stars. Verily, the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets do not leave behind gold or silver coins, but rather they only leave behind knowledge. Whoever takes it has taken hold of an abundant fortune.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2682 - Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani]
I would be happy to help if you need to know anything else.
Regardless of whether we understand the reasons behind the rulings or not, it is upon us to submit. This is what makes us Muslims because 'Islām' means submission. Allāh said (meaning): {The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful.} [an-Nūr 24:51]
When we don't know about Allāh, it leads us to thinking "Why must Allāh do this to me?" and "Religion makes life hard". If we truly understood that Allāh has expansive knowledge and wisdom that we would never be able to fully comprehend, only then would we be completely pleased with his rulings and submit to them. Allāh said (meaning): {But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you do not know.} [Baqarah 2:216]
Allāh said (meaning): {Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] Messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allāh?” Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.} [Baqarah 2:214]
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested. But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allāh will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:2-3]
It's sad that there were people who were tested with extreme hardships like poverty, whereas we are complaining about silly little drawings! The question is not "Why would Allāh care about something as small as drawings?", rather the question is "Am I willing to risk being punished for something as small as drawings?" Know that the Prophet ﷺ said (meaning): “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better.” [Musnad Aḥmad 22565 - Sahīh (authentic) according to al-Albanī]
As for creative outlets that are suitable for Muslims, then there are plenty. When Allāh closes one door, he leaves another door open, like in his statement (meaning): {Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But Allāh has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.} [al-Baqarah 2:275] The one who says that Islām takes the dreams of creative Muslims away perhaps is not creative enough as they are not able to think of alternatives to drawing living beings. The other brother who replied to you mentioned the narration of Ibn 'Abbās (the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ), in which he gave an alternative to the man by suggesting drawing inanimate objects like trees. You are not allowed to draw things that have souls (humans, animals, angels etc.) but as for trees and plants, while they are "biologically living", they do not have souls so you can draw them. Knowing this, you can draw and paint things such as landscapes as well as things like calligraphy and so on.
You mentioned that you want to use drawing so that people could find "motivation and encouragement in their life". In that case, why don't you start studying Islām so that you teach it correctly to people? Allāh said (meaning): {Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allāh. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allāh hearts are assured. Those who believe and do good, for them will be bliss and an honourable destination.} [ar-Ra'd 13:28-29]
{And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.} [Tā Hā 20:135]
Drawing will only give people a quick fix, and it won't last. Teaching people about Allāh, patience and all the other aspects of the religion is what brings true happiness to people and will give them the correct motivation and encouragement. On top of that, you will be rewarded for it. Start with learning the basics of Islām and work your way up until you have a strong understanding, then you can teach people.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said this about seeking Islamic knowledge and teaching it (meaning):
"Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. People do not gather in the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, but that tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near Him" [Sahīh Muslim 2699]
“When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1631]
“The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like my virtue over the least of you. Verily, Allah, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in his hole and the fish, send blessings upon the one who teaches people what is good.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2685 - Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Tirmidhi]
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make him traverse a path to Paradise. Verily, the angels lower their wings in pleasure for the seeker of knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the fish in the depths of the water, seek forgiveness for the scholar. The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over the stars. Verily, the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets do not leave behind gold or silver coins, but rather they only leave behind knowledge. Whoever takes it has taken hold of an abundant fortune.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2682 - Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani]
I would be happy to help if you need to know anything else.
@I7V
Sorry, you only invalidate my problem so I don't think you responding to me helps me in any sort of way. There are many people who already teach Islam, but that isn't something that I want to pursue. Shoving islamic quotes down my throat doesn't make me feel any better about my situation either. Honestly.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by Lofinde00
@I7V
Sorry, you only invalidate my problem so I don't think you responding to me helps me in any sort of way. There are many people who already teach Islam, but that isn't something that I want to pursue. Shoving islamic quotes down my throat doesn't make me feel any better about my situation either. Honestly.
Sorry, you only invalidate my problem so I don't think you responding to me helps me in any sort of way. There are many people who already teach Islam, but that isn't something that I want to pursue. Shoving islamic quotes down my throat doesn't make me feel any better about my situation either. Honestly.
Original post by I7V
If you reduce that āyāt from the Qur'ān and Hadith to just mere "Islamic quotes", I don't know what to say to you. I tried to address your concern from multiple angles, what else do you want? Do you want me to say "Go ahead and draw, no problem" or "Yeah I don't understand Allāh's rulings too, what was He thinking"?? May Allāh guide you.
Following religion may be simple and easy to you, but it's hard to sacrifice things that you love. I have been drawing for many years to the point that I wanted to turn it into a career or at least a part time job alongside another one, but I cannot even pursue that! Do you know how it feels?! Because I'm not the only muslim who feels like this or went through this. Mashallah, you do not have any difficulty following religion and it is easy for you. But it's not like that for everyone.
Original post by Lofinde00
Following religion may be simple and easy to you, but it's hard to sacrifice things that you love. I have been drawing for many years to the point that I wanted to turn it into a career or at least a part time job alongside another one, but I cannot even pursue that! Do you know how it feels?! Because I'm not the only muslim who feels like this or went through this. Mashallah, you do not have any difficulty following religion and it is easy for you. But it's not like that for everyone.
If you really paid attention to what I said then you would realise I was telling you these "Islamic quotes" in order to make it easier for you. If I tell you that if you give up something you love for the sake of Allāh, then He will replace it with something better, how does this not make you feel better? Or perhaps you came on here just to complain and find a justification for your complaining. The reality is that it is not justified at all, rather you said statements that are borderline disbelief, "Why must god do this to me?! WHY?! Religion feels suffocating sometimes, and when it banned drawing people it makes it more difficult for me to follow this religion. Why does Islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away? It's not fair."
I addressed all of your points: Why Allāh did this to you, why you face trials when practising the religion, and that there is an outlet for creative Muslims. I'm most concerned about your statement "it's not fair". Are you suggesting that Islām is unfair?
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by I7V
You don't know me nor what I have sacrificed for Allāh. You're not the only one who has to make sacrifices.
If you really paid attention to what I said then you would realise I was telling you these "Islamic quotes" in order to make it easier for you. If I tell you that if you give up something you love for the sake of Allāh, then He will replace it with something better, how does this not make you feel better? Or perhaps you came on here just to complain and find a justification for your complaining. The reality is that it is not justified at all, rather you said statements that are borderline disbelief, "Why must god do this to me?! WHY?! Religion feels suffocating sometimes, and when it banned drawing people it makes it more difficult for me to follow this religion. Why does Islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away? It's not fair."
I addressed all of your points: Why Allāh did this to you, why you face trials when practising the religion, and that there is an outlet for creative Muslims. I'm most concerned about your statement "it's not fair". Are you suggesting that Islām is unfair?
If you really paid attention to what I said then you would realise I was telling you these "Islamic quotes" in order to make it easier for you. If I tell you that if you give up something you love for the sake of Allāh, then He will replace it with something better, how does this not make you feel better? Or perhaps you came on here just to complain and find a justification for your complaining. The reality is that it is not justified at all, rather you said statements that are borderline disbelief, "Why must god do this to me?! WHY?! Religion feels suffocating sometimes, and when it banned drawing people it makes it more difficult for me to follow this religion. Why does Islam take the dreams of creative Muslims away? It's not fair."
I addressed all of your points: Why Allāh did this to you, why you face trials when practising the religion, and that there is an outlet for creative Muslims. I'm most concerned about your statement "it's not fair". Are you suggesting that Islām is unfair?
For me it is. I don't care if they don't allow Muslims to.do.things like smoking, sleeping around, alcohol or.eating pork, because they actually tell you why it isn't allowed as it causes physical harm to health. But drawing doesn't harm people.in the same way. You said that God replaces bad things with something better. I've stopped drawing for 3 years and what did I get? Nothing. At this point I'm just forcing myself to live the life that God wants, and I'm going to study something I have no passion for, which means my life feels half-hearted and empty. Islam is easy for majority of people, but not for everyone.
Original post by Lofinde00
For me it is. I don't care if they don't allow Muslims to.do.things like smoking, sleeping around, alcohol or.eating pork, because they actually tell you why it isn't allowed as it causes physical harm to health. But drawing doesn't harm people.in the same way. You said that God replaces bad things with something better. I've stopped drawing for 3 years and what did I get? Nothing. At this point I'm just forcing myself to live the life that God wants, and I'm going to study something I have no passion for, which means my life feels half-hearted and empty. Islam is easy for majority of people, but not for everyone.
Was Allāh unjust to you by forbidding drawing?
Reply 12
Original post by Lofinde00
For me it is. I don't care if they don't allow Muslims to.do.things like smoking, sleeping around, alcohol or.eating pork, because they actually tell you why it isn't allowed as it causes physical harm to health. But drawing doesn't harm people.in the same way. You said that God replaces bad things with something better. I've stopped drawing for 3 years and what did I get? Nothing. At this point I'm just forcing myself to live the life that God wants, and I'm going to study something I have no passion for, which means my life feels half-hearted and empty. Islam is easy for majority of people, but not for everyone.
Not one, but two people have come to you with sincere advice. Not only this, but you have been given alternatives to still purse your passion in a manner which does not comprise your religion and in-depth explanations. I’ve had a brief look at your profile and past threads you have posted on here, and it is complaints among complaints.
Wallahi, sometimes the problem lies within our own hearts. Now, in a state of anger and heedlessness, you continue to portray your religion in a negative light, as something difficult to swallow. It appears everything said here has flew over your head.
Are you here to seek advice from people who care for you and what’s to come after you die one day, us as your brothers in Islam, or do you seek advice from people who don’t even believe in the religion.
What do you want to be told? It seems you have a fixed mindset and don’t want to open to sincere advice.
Soften your heart and seek repentance and work on your connection with your Lord.
and I will always say: HOW MUCH HAS BEEN MADE LAWFUL AND HOW MUCH UNLAWFUL?!
Reply 13
Original post by I7V
Was Allāh unjust to you by forbidding drawing?
Akhi, it’s jahiliyyah honestly. May Allah guide us all. May Allah bless you, you formed your responses better than me. Honestly, I think doing this for the sake of Allah is quite enjoyable actually, and I’ll try to do it more.
Original post by Matti.kn01
Akhi, it’s jahiliyyah honestly. May Allah guide us all. May Allah bless you, you formed your responses better than me. Honestly, I think doing this for the sake of Allah is quite enjoyable actually, and I’ll try to do it more.
Reply 15
Original post by I7V
Āmīn. May Allāh bless you also akhī. I was happy to see someone referencing the 'ulamā on here for once and not "I think" lol. Honestly, we need more people studying the dīn so that we can remove ignorance from the Ummah because I never realised how prevalent it is until I read things like this.
100 percent brother, I am very passionate to further my knowledge and start some type of course soon inshaAllah, just very close to exam period for me so I am quite double minded on a lot of things. If you do know any good resources I could utilise to learn then please let me know!
Original post by Matti.kn01
100 percent brother, I am very passionate to further my knowledge and start some type of course soon inshaAllah, just very close to exam period for me so I am quite double minded on a lot of things. If you do know any good resources I could utilise to learn then please let me know!
There is also another extremely beneficial resource but it's a paid service that costs around a fiver a month so it's not a large amount. There is a Youtube channel called 'Scholarly Subtitles' and they have a Patreon page which gives you access to fully English subtitled classes of the scholars such as Ibn 'Uthaymīn, 'Abdur-Razzāq al-Badr etc. I haven't used this resource yet as I want to make use of it when I improve my Arabic a bit, but there's no problem in starting with it straight away. Also you MUST learn Arabic. You can only go so far in knowledge without the Arabic language so do this as a part of your studies. I noticed that the 'Arabic with AMAU' course is very good. The goal is for us to learn Arabic so that we can go learn from the real scholars and benefit from them as well as access the countless books that have been written.
I would be happy to help if you need anything else, in shā' Allāh.
(edited 1 year ago)
@Matti.kn01
To be honest, I came here to rant. I didn't seek advice from people who would talk about religion and invalidate my problem. And you said that all I do is complain, complain and complain. You don't know my life too' hun. I complain because its the only way I can get things off my chest because I don't have anyone else I can speak to. I used to cry when praying to god back then but there would never be a result or change. Over the years my life never got better. And I'm actually going to quit drawing because Islam's preferred rules on drawing doesn't allow me to convey my ideas the way I want to. You guys don't know my life at all, it's been miserable for many years even though I was born a muslim. You tell me soften my heart and work over my connection with god, but he put me through things that I didn't want to go through at all. If this is how my life is supposed to be then what's the point?
To be honest, I came here to rant. I didn't seek advice from people who would talk about religion and invalidate my problem. And you said that all I do is complain, complain and complain. You don't know my life too' hun. I complain because its the only way I can get things off my chest because I don't have anyone else I can speak to. I used to cry when praying to god back then but there would never be a result or change. Over the years my life never got better. And I'm actually going to quit drawing because Islam's preferred rules on drawing doesn't allow me to convey my ideas the way I want to. You guys don't know my life at all, it's been miserable for many years even though I was born a muslim. You tell me soften my heart and work over my connection with god, but he put me through things that I didn't want to go through at all. If this is how my life is supposed to be then what's the point?
@Matti.kn01
On top of that, if you guys are going to talk about your personal stuff please dm each other or make your own feed. Please don't do it here, I'm asking respectfully.
On top of that, if you guys are going to talk about your personal stuff please dm each other or make your own feed. Please don't do it here, I'm asking respectfully.
Reply 19
Original post by Lofinde00
@Matti.kn01
To be honest, I came here to rant. I didn't seek advice from people who would talk about religion and invalidate my problem. And you said that all I do is complain, complain and complain. You don't know my life too' hun. I complain because its the only way I can get things off my chest because I don't have anyone else I can speak to. I used to cry when praying to god back then but there would never be a result or change. Over the years my life never got better. And I'm actually going to quit drawing because Islam's preferred rules on drawing doesn't allow me to convey my ideas the way I want to. You guys don't know my life at all, it's been miserable for many years even though I was born a muslim. You tell me soften my heart and work over my connection with god, but he put me through things that I didn't want to go through at all. If this is how my life is supposed to be then what's the point?
To be honest, I came here to rant. I didn't seek advice from people who would talk about religion and invalidate my problem. And you said that all I do is complain, complain and complain. You don't know my life too' hun. I complain because its the only way I can get things off my chest because I don't have anyone else I can speak to. I used to cry when praying to god back then but there would never be a result or change. Over the years my life never got better. And I'm actually going to quit drawing because Islam's preferred rules on drawing doesn't allow me to convey my ideas the way I want to. You guys don't know my life at all, it's been miserable for many years even though I was born a muslim. You tell me soften my heart and work over my connection with god, but he put me through things that I didn't want to go through at all. If this is how my life is supposed to be then what's the point?
May Allah make it easy for you and lift your hardships. Maybe you’ll look back soon in the future and be grateful you went through what you did
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Muslim girls... guy asks for your snap
- Marriage
- Im gay but a christian
- I have a Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics degree from King's College London
- Should I drop A-Level Biology???
- st dominics sixth form college
- Is A level philosophy, ethics and religion a good subject?
- RE GCSE
- what is your religion?
- Edexcel A-level Religious Studies Paper 1 (9RS0 01) - 12th June 2023 [Exam Chat]
- I am not muslim
- Why is religion against sex?
- Muslim beliefs- Awrah
- I hate being religious and it's making me depressed
- theology at Cambridge
- Want to change religion
- islam- man made?
- Urgent help with epq title
- Jane Eyre and religion
- A level philosophy aqa or ocr religious studies
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 months ago
Engineering vs. Medicine: Stuck Between Dreams and ExpectationsLast reply 2 months ago
heyyy , im new heree and im willing to have some friends xxxLast reply 2 months ago
Im 16 and never had a gf and it doesnt feel ok.
