Shi'ite iconography

Shi'ite iconography () encompasses any and all forms of artistic depictions by some Shia Muslims, especially but not limited to those incorporating or featuring the Twelve Imams, the Battle of Karbala, or the Event of Ghadir.

The practice is rooted in Islamic miniature, and later evolved into devotional images under the Pahlavi dynasty. Religious imagery has traditionally been considered forbidden by the majority of Shia Muslim scholars, and Aniconism in Islam has a firmly established history, though it continues to play an important role in Islamic culture to this day.

Fatwas #ImageMarja'FatwaDescription1Ali SistaniPermitted, with restrictions"Depicting living creatures, such as human beings and the like, in three dimensions is Forbidden as a matter of ihtiyat. As for ordinary drawing/painting, evidently it is permissible." "Making a non-graven image is allowed. It is necessary to refrain from depicting the graven figure of a living being."2 Ruhollah KhomeiniForbidden"Drawing pictures of living beings from among human beings and animals is forbidden, when they are in complete form. According to the stronger opinion, it is allowed if they are not in complete form, though it is more cautious to avoid it. There is no difference in the various forms of pictures whether they are painted, drawn, or embroidered, etc."3Ali KhameneiPermissible"There is no harm at all in the sculpture, photography and drawings of living beings, whether or not they have a soul."4Abu al-Qasim al-KhoeiForbidden"Making an image of a living being, and even its painting, is unlawful."5Muhammad Saeed al-HakimForbidden"In general, painting of living things is prohibited."6Mohammad YaqoobiForbidden"It's forbidden to make representations of persons and animals."7Mohammad Jamil Hammoud al-AmiliForbidden"It is forbidden by Sharia to make a depiction of any living being, such as a man and animal." "Drawing of the Infallibles is forbidden according to Sharia."8Bashir al-NajafiForbidden"If it is not an image of a living being, then there is no objection to that." "[Images of the Imams] should be prevented in the best possible manner, just as it is obligatory for people to refrain from drawing these images."

"The images [...] must not be attributed to the Imams, for they are purely imaginary pictures. Likewise, it is not permissible to draw an image of a being with a soul."9Wahid KhorasaniForbidden"The Imams and their great progeny, such as our master Abu Fadl al-Abbas, are too exalted to have their images depicted in a film or any other medium, and such an act is not permissible."10Sadiq al-ShiraziDiscouraged"Drawing a living being, if it is corporeal and complete, is not permissible. As for other forms, it is discouraged [...]" "It is discouraged to depict a living being with pen and brush, but taking photographs and making films with a camera or similar devices is permissible."

"[Images of the Imams] should be replaced with their wise words and noble sayings so that we may draw lessons and wisdom from them."11Mohammad Hussein FadlallahDiscouraged"I'd rather take an obligatory precaution by doing without it, rather than prohibiting it."12Naser Makarem ShiraziPermitted, if non-religious"If they ascribe pictures to the Holy Prophet or the Imams, certainly then it is not permitted." "Sculpture has a problem, but painting is permitted."13Mohammad Fazel LankaraniPermitted, with restrictions"If the pictures are not graven and are not insulting, there is no problem."14Yousef SaaneiPermissible"Sculpture for reasonable purposes, is not prohibited; Painting or drawing is permissible if it does not include vulgar and nasty figures and does not encourage depravity and immorality." "Miniature and other paintings which do not popularize depravity and moral corruption are legal and it is legal to trade them."

Shi'ite iconography

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