How can sculpting/drawing be Haram when Isa (PBUH) sculpted a bird?
The question of whether sculpting or drawing is considered haram in Islam often arises due to various interpretations of religious texts and the actions of prophets, including Isa (PBUH). In the Qur'an, it is mentioned that Isa (PBUH) performed a miraculous act where he fashioned a bird from clay. The verse states: Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave.
3:49. This indicates that Isa (PBUH) had the ability to create life-like figures, which raises questions about the permissibility of such acts in Islam.
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in various hadith collections, the general view is that creating images or sculptures of living beings is prohibited. This stems from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who warned against making images, stating, Whoever makes an image, Allah will punish him until he breathes life into it, and there will never be anyone to breathe life into it.
Sahih al-Bukhari 34:172. This has led many scholars to conclude that while Allah granted certain prophets the ability to create life, such actions are not permissible for ordinary people.
On the other hand, Shia interpretations, while also cautious regarding the creation of images, acknowledge that the actions of the prophets hold a unique status. The narratives surrounding Isa (PBUH) are often viewed with a focus on the miraculous nature of his abilities rather than as a precedent for general practice.
Ultimately, the differing interpretations highlight the complexities of this issue in Islamic jurisprudence. For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, it is advisable to consult a qualified local scholar who can provide guidance based on the context of your question.
Sources
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3:49 · Aal-i-Imraan
3:49 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ أَنِّى قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ أَنِّىٓ أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطِّينِ كَهَيْـَٔةِ ٱلطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًۢا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَأُبْرِئُ ٱلْأَكْمَهَ وَٱلْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِى بُيُوتِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَةًۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
And will make him a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 34:172
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 34, Hadith 172 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
A man came to Ibn Abbas and said, "O Abu Abbas, I am a person whose livelihood comes from making images, and I make these pictures." Ibn Abbas said, "I will only tell you what I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: 'Whoever makes an image, Allah will punish him until he breathes life into it, and there will never be anyone to breathe life into it.'" The man turned pale and said, "Woe to you if you do not allow me to craft them." Ibn Abbas replied, "Then take these wooden materials; make all that has no soul." Abu Abdullah said, "Saeed bin 'Urooba heard this from Al-Nadr bin Anas."
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