France is staging a nationwide exhibition designed to save children and young people from so-called Islamophobic (justified anti-Islam) prejudices of their parents. It is called ‘The Arts of Islam: A Past for a Present’ and each of its 18 participating venues contains 10 works.
Because Islam forbids the making of graven images i.e. representations of living things such as humans, plants, and animals (for fear that it will lead to idolatry), it really limits the types of art that faithful Muslims can participate in. Music and dance are also frowned upon in Islam, and some types of music and dance are even considered haram, especially when women are involved. So I find it amazing that any sort of art flourished and flourishes at all in Islam and Islamic societies. But nonetheless that there is any sort of art at all in the Islamic world shows that the human spirit, even when stifled by religious orthodoxy, can still find a way to express itself.
I think that Arabs were among the first to pioneer abstract art. And they emphasized calligraphy and literary art such as poetry. Arabic calligraphy is often very beautiful. The flowing Arabic script and swirling lines and shapes (and yes, sometimes they even turned the words into images of living things — haram), and especially when they mix them with color and texture are very beautiful. Complex geometric patterns and shapes and form and structure and color in architecture were hallmarks of Arabic and Islamic artwork. They turned geometry and abstract geometric patterns into art. So they found ways to express themselves even with the strictures of Islam and the harsh gaze of the clerics and violent fanatics.
But still with all the restrictions on human expression in Islam, it still is a testament to the human spirit that it can still transcend the most fanatic religious zeal.
Arabs preceeded Islam by many centuries.
@ BNI
Well, yeah. Pre Islamic art and culture certainly exist in the Arab world and elsewhere in the Middle East. But I was talking about Arab, Persian and other cultures art post Islam.
Oh, OK.
So true!!!
France has a huge problem and I do not know if it can be solved. It is too widespread because they allowed it.
This latest story among so many that we cannot count them anymore:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10478361/Sharia-compliant-faceless-childrens-toys-restaurant-booths-shield-women-male-gaze.html
For some reason, this story has gotten more coverage that many of the really bad ones about Islam. That’s why I didn’t post about it.
We lived in Iran for a little over four years in the 1970s and were enthralled with the beautiful mosaic tile work on the mosques and other important edifices. Their miniatures were amazing and fascinating for their very odd point of view. Islam was forced on the Persians and most of the ones I met, were only muslim when necessary. I seriously doubt this attempt will change the feelings of the French towards muslims, but it is certainly an exhibit I would enjoy seeing.
Yes, Persians were not Muslims for most of history.
I saw in the video human figures which was old Persian art. I’m not sure if Islam had been forced on them yet or not, but they were never considered real Muslims anyway.
We see the female figures are not wrapped up from head to toe and nor are they wearing the head and neck gear. And that in itself speaks volumes.
Quran (8:12)”I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them”
For 1,400 years, inhuman, Quran obedient Muslims have perpetrated Extreme Violence, BARBARISM and SAVAGERY on non Muslims.
We want Muslim Barbarism and Savagery to stop. We want it to end. We want to be protected.
We want this terrible threat. This Horror, permanently removed from our countries — MUSLIMS call this ISLAMOPHOBIA !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Muslims want non Muslims to accept Muslim Horror and Terror because it’s what Islam teaches.
In the Armenian Genocide, Turkish Muslims barbarically slaughtered millions of Christian innocents. Turkish Muslims perpetrated SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE TORTURE SLAUGHTERS on the defenseless Christians.
Christians were starved to death. Horribly slaughtered. Tortured. Raped. Gang Raped. Christian girls were stripped naked and hung on crosses.
At the recent Paris, France Concert, Muslims perpetrated SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE TORTURE/SLAUGHTERS on the defenseless non Muslims.
Quran (3:56) – “As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.”
Writing Allah over & over isn’t “art”.