REMOVE PICTURE OF MUHAMMED FROM WIKIPEDIA

Salaams Sister,

I understand your points. We very recently had a thread on the very same topic, regarding wilpedia. However the images you are so concerned about are ones which muslims themselves drew several hundred years ago. I am neither condoning or condeming these . As these images are all different I dont see that they are true likenesses of our Prophet (pbuH)

However, this discussion raises the subject in my mind, of photographs and TV in our time. Many will say that photographs are forbidden. Then we would have to also question posters displayed of political muslim figures during elections. I dont see muslims forbidding these, and as such I see no harm in them. The discussion on TV also provides varying answers. TV can be harmful, then again it can be very educational.

I think it is important to respect the differences. I am muslim, but have photographs of my children in my home, because they do not live with me. I do not idolise them, nor see them as anything other than my children. No person can convince me to remove these photos. Why should I? They do no harm.

Likewise, I am not disturbed by images of the Prophet, which are all different. Wikpedia explains when these were drawn or painted. They are not recent. As for the Dutch illustrations, the person involved will receive his lot from Allah, for his insult towards the Prophet(pbuH). Of course we can express our disapproval of these, but we are living in an age where these kind of illustrations will become more prominent in the world. Recently on the forum, we had every thread invaded by vile depictions and photos of the Prophet(pbuH). They obviously should not have been on the forum, but unfortunately as access to IC is so easily obtained by anyone, it did not forsee these. It gave the moderators a huge problem for 24hours.

I have never understood the ruling on drawings of living things in general. Perhaps this can be explained to me. I am willing to listen. Personally, I de-sensitise myself from issues that have no bearing on my everyday life as a muslim. I have full trust on Allah that He understands the thoughts and intentions of my heart. I am afterall the only person responsible in getting to Jannah. The success or failure of this is not in anyone elses hands.

I think that when we go into "rights" everything is quite hazy.

As mentioned we live in a planet of 7.5 billion people. And in the world of fast moving information it will only bring us closer.

Martha, why no pictures... well becasue we people tend to worship or place on higher values the people in our lives rather then Allah. Many people do worship people be it famous people, sports heroes, family members etc. By lmiiting the drawings helps people to avoid "shirk."

Whereas I don't think anyone an stop the dipictions of the Prophet (PBUH) I do agree that we as Mislims should not participate in this. The reason why: Christianity. We should at all costs avoid worshiping of a person. I would be shocked to see a picture in any Muslim's home. Yes some people along the way drew pictures. Just cause one Muslim did something does not make it "ok." I see Muslims drink, does not make it ok.

And whereas "you" may not get confused this does not mean other won't. Islam is about what is best for the community. Not the individual. Its like what responsibility do we have as a community. If people have all these pictures up of the Prophet (PBUH) it would influence people.

What is compulsion? well it is relative when you want to protect your children. In Islam Shirk is the worst think anyone can do. Would you want to risk your children getting the idea it is okay to do this? this is the worst sin. Parents seek to protect there kids from many thing. For Muslims they do it not just in the home but the communities in which they live in. 

.