Is it permissible for Muslims to use figurines as decor?

[Zainab_M]

 


   to all


I have heard of this question being asked many times by Muslims.  They want to know if it's okay to keep decorative items in their living rooms and homes that consist of human or animal figures. 
 
Someone I know recently asked me a more specific question, inquiring if it's appropriate to have a figurine of the pieta in a Muslim home, not from the religious view point but from a historical perspective. 
 
My views on all of the above are as follows.
 
I am of the opinion that those figurines that are religiously neutral (meaning, those that do not have any non-Islamic connotations), which attract us only as a pretty or cute piece of art or antique or a show-piece for our homes, and those which are not obscene, are fine to keep around.  E.g. figurines of house pets, folk dances, paintings of landscape, flowers, battlefields and war pictures, war heroes and so on that are purely secular or non-referential objects are okay to put up. 
 
But I would NOT keep any figurines / statues that have or might have any connections or might even be symbolic of any non-Islamic faith.  These would also include figurines linked with the much altered Christian faith.  And of course, it goes without saying, that keeping any buddhist, hindu etc. statues are absolutely Haram.  

Discussing the pieta specifically, it has a religious significance linked to the Christian faith that's not warranted in the Quraan.  Pieta statue by Michelangelo is an artwork depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the 'dead body' of Jesus, son of Mary.  Apart from the fact that having statues of religious figures would leave an avenue open for iconic following of religious personalities which is un-Quraanic, the Noble Quraan has categorically asserted the truth that Jesus, son of Mary (peace on them both) did not die on the cross.   Allah Almighty made him ascend unto Him.  What people saw on the cross was only a temporary apparition resembling Jesus to confound those who plotted against him.

Therefore, in my view, keeping a figurine of the pieta in a Muslim home is certainly Haram.

I realise, what's most important is one's intention.  Nonetheless, as I already referred, keeping such figurines can create a tendency of spiritual infatuation toward these   personalities.  I'm speaking in accordance with what I perceive as correct and in conformity with the precepts / values of the Noble Quraan.  Human mind has the capacity to err unexpectedly just as much as it has the ability to grow in wisdom.  The sort of figurines I've mentioned as Haram could create the possibility in the minds of some for acquiring the kind of devotion toward human figures/statues that could distract them from Allah Almighty, the One and Only. 

As for the figurines and statues that come into the Haram category, must NOT be kept even for historical reasons.  As Muslims, we are allowed to read a wide range of history books and web pages to learn on every facet of history, but we are certainly not to keep any statues depicting these persons in our homes.   

[Zainab_M]

For information:

ISLAMIC DECORATIONS AND SOUVENIRS
 
Few people pay attention, but the fact is that there's absolutely no dearth of beautiful Islamic decoration pieces, gifts and souvenirs available in stores that could make our homes look lovelier than ever. 
 
You'll find awesome velvet or tapestry wall hangings, paintings and pictures of the Kaa'ba, Dome of the Rock and many other breathtaking Islamic sites and architecture.   There are very nice looking electronic Islamic clocks that can be programmed to reciting the Azan.  And of course, great Quraanic quotes in original Arabic by excellent calligraphists, often along with English translations in beautiful looking frames.  These are just a few suggestions I mentioned from memory. 
 
There are Islamic souvenir shops in almost all major cities of Canada and North America with plenty of interesting stuff, totally Halal to keep in one's home for purposes of beautification and self-satisfaction.  A lot of these stores are extensive concerning the variety of products they carry and one could go about looking at the items for hours.  Apart from many nice books on Islamic arts and traditions, there are metalware, handicraft, pottery etc. etc.
 
Nowadays Islamic souvenir and gift shops are found all over Muslim countries viz. Turkey, Morocco, Iran, Egypt and Malaysia.  The Islamic Museum of Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia, is considered to have one of the best Islamic souvenir shops in the world that also carries many rare Islamic antiques. 

[Heba E. Husseyn]

This is very interesting read.  Unfortunately there are quite many 'Muslims' who can't distinguish between secular figurines and those with implications of non-Islamic religions.  And you are right, there are so many Halal items for home decor in the Islamic souvenir & gift shops everywhere, yet our folks must indulge in buying decorative items unacceptable to our Islamic faith. 

That bit on pieta reminds me of a Muslim family we know, not very well, just formally.  I often meet her at my masjid's community center.  They are (or were) one of those who were desperately trying to assimilate as immigrants in a Western country, to the extent that it almost seemed they were embarrassed of their culture.  I thought that was really odd.  Then one day she was celebrating her son's birthday party and invited a few Muslim moms and their kids, including myself.  Their home wasn't too far from ours.  When we visited her place I saw this statue of the pieta her living room.  I asked her why she got it.  So she said that since both Jesus and his mother Virgin Mary are also mentioned in the Quran, she thought it was okay to have that.  She asked me for my opinion.  I said that Quran mentions that we must respect all Prophets and their families including Jesus and his mother.  But the Quran does not say to keep their statues in our homes.  I think that's completely off the right track.  It wasn't hard to guess that the actual reason why they put that in their living room was to feel more like the mainstream.  The other guests also agreed with me.  Then, one day when I met her at a get-together at the masjid, she told me she removed that pieta from her home.   The lady mentioned to me that several other of their Muslim friends were also quite surprised to see it and were not comfortable with it and so stopped visiting her house.  I think that was a proper gesture from friends.  It helped her to read her mistakes. 

[Ruhi_Rose]

All such figurines with non-Islamic religious connotations are Haram in Muslim households and businesses.  Even if a Muslim keeps it with a non-religious intention and with complete confidence in themselves that they will never waver from the thought of Allah, they could still be responsible for inadvertently misguiding others.  This means that copy-cats who get such ideas from their relatives, friends or acquaintances could be led astray by these sort of images with the passage of time if their iman is not wholly firm.  After all, it's at times like these when Satan jumps in to utilise his opportunity of creating temptations in the hearts of humans and jinns.

Second point is -- if a Muslim keeps such items in their homes or offices even with non-religious motives, they could give a wrong impression of themselves to others.  We know that Allah knows the truth about everyone.  But what I mean is, a Muslim who genuinely and firmly believes in Allah Almighty alone, such a person should consider themselves lucky and care for their reputation.  A true believer will surely not want to give any such reasons to others to think wrongly of him or her regarding their Faith. 

Non-religious decoration pieces are of course fine.

[Zainab_M]

Yes sister Ruhi, you are also right.  Though Allah knows the truth about our hearts and that's most important, as believers we need to care for our reputation too particularly when it involves Faith and good conduct.  I mean, if a person is a true believer with a good conduct, why should he or she outwardly give the impression to others of being otherwise?

In this connection, I recently came across the following verse in the Noble Quraan a few days ago. 

"Forsake the outwardness of sin and the inwardness thereof."  6:120

In my humble opinion, this verse can have two meanings.  First, we should avoid sinful acts, whether performed openly or concealed.  Second, those acts that appear sinful from the outside should also be avoided. 

I also think that even for historical or secular reasons the Haram figurines are must still be Haram.  We know very well how much the Noble Quraan has cautioned the believers to guard themselves against the sin of worshipping idols.  This is one enormous sin that will never be forgiven.  Therefore, as a very important gesture of respect toward this commandment of Allah, it's just proper that we must have no such figurines around that are taken as objects of worship by other faiths and are Haram for believers.