As-Salaamu Alakum Brothers and Sisters

Sorry if I have posted this thread in the wrong place-(I�m new).

The purpose of this thread is to let all my muslim brothers and sisters know that Wikipedia has a picture of HAZRAT MUHAMMAD (S.A.W) so please go on this link to sign up the petition to remove the pictures. We need 10000 signatures to remove it.  We �currently� have 4300 http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/removal-of-the-pics-of-muhammad-from-wikipedia - www.thepetitionsite.com/2/removal-of-the-pics-of-muhammad-fr om-wikipedia

As some brothrs and sisters know that In Islam picture of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other Humans are not allowed. But Wikipedia editors are showing illustrations with face illustrated and face is veiled or white washed. But still they are offensive to Muslims. I request all brothers and sisters to sign this petitions so we can tell Wikipedia to respect the religion and remove the illustrations.  

Salam all Brothers and sisters

Those of you that have Facebook, please announce this there, more and more people will get to know about the site.

Thanks

No I did not know who draw the images originally! However, I do know that it was a evil man from Denmark (not a muslim) tried to drew our beloved prophet Mohammad (peace and blessing be up on him) and I do not for a minute believe a true muslim could draw those pictures.

I fully understand that Wikipedia is an open source, and therefore if they are removed they could be placed back again on the site.  However, being a muslim it is our duty to respect and protect our beloved prophet. 

In Islam pictures of living things are forbidden to draw, for this reason I do believe that regardless of what the picture is trying to illustrate no body should have the right to put those pictures online. 

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. 

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Salaams Sister Zanab,

Please excuse my delay in replying. I have been away from the PC for some days, and have just received your message.

The hadith you mention is vague, but I wonder whether it was intended for muslims of that time, when Islam was new, and people were most likely to stray.

So many of our instructions relate to those early times. People were used to worshipping idols then and needed clarity.

I mentioned about photos,because it relates to our modern time. And many scholars disagree on this issue. Where do we get our reliable sources on our daily issues now? And who do we trust? And why did you not choose to answer my question? Why do people always live in the past?

I wonder what words our Prophet(pbuH) would say if he were here today. I'm sure some hadiths would be different, and he would make clear all the doubts and concerns of the people today. In many ways Islam is old fashioned. I do not suggest we live unhealthly, unclean lives. But Islam needs to be brought up to date. I dont see one scholar or imam I can believe in.

Hayfa, thanks for your reply also. But I am concerned that you suggest Islam is for the community, not the individual. But I think you refer to the instructions for all in Islam, in general.