Fatwa ID: 04045

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

I had a question for you and would really appreciate some help. I have been doing Arabic calligraphy for a while now and Alhamdulillah I have to say, financially it is good for me. Initially, I was not doing calligraphy on the walls, but then I decided after mashwara to do it as many were asking. I stayed away from Quran ayat I was doing duas and maybe a Hadith and some simple wall art. I have a criterion before I do it that, no TV in the room of the area. But be at a place where it will susceptible to some type of disrespect like a corridor where there is a toilet just in case people walk out not fully covered and I would tell them aftercare, that when you decide to redecorate wipe off with strong liquid and the residue feed the plants with it. Now I am feeling a little anxious about continuing with it. Is it ok for me to continue this business or not?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In principle, it would be permissible to work as a calligraphist as the calligraphy you are doing is non-animated. Calligraphy of animation would not be permissible. (Fatawa Qasimiyah p.527 v.22)

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalm said: “The most severely punished of people in the presence of Allah are the picture-makers.” (Sahih Bukhārī and Sahih Muslim)

However, with regards to calligraphy on the wall of Quranic verses, Ahadith and Duas, then there are differences of opinions.  Some scholars have allowed it and others have disliked it due to there being a danger of disrespect.

In Fatawa Al-Hindiyyah (p.323 v.5) it is mentioned, "Even if verses were hung on walls, some scholars said, we hope it is permissible and some regarded it reprehensible for fear that they could fall and get stepped on."

My personal opinion is one should refrain from the calligraphy of Quranic verses, Ahadith and Duas (as they will be established from the Quran and Ahadith) due to the fact that there would be a likelihood of disrespect shown to them.

Many a time we see people leaning against walls which have calligraphy on, some even have their feet towards it. Therefore, based on the principle of Sadd Lizaraai, where the actual calligraphy would be permissible like I quoted from Fatawa Hindiyyah above, but due to the fact of the verses and Ahadith being disrespected, the calligraphy then would become disliked. (Muzakirah Maqaasid Shariah p.10)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham