Why are depictions of Mohammed approved of in Iran?
In Iran, depictions of the Prophet Muhammad are generally disapproved of, as Islamic tradition holds a strong stance against the visual representation of prophets, particularly Muhammad himself. This prohibition stems from the belief that such images could lead to idolatry or misrepresentation of the Prophet's character and message.
The Qur'an emphasizes the significance of the Prophet Muhammad as "the messenger of Allah" who has been sent with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion.
48:28. This highlights the importance of following his teachings and respecting his status, which is often interpreted in a way that discourages any form of depiction that could detract from his revered position.
Additionally, the Qur'an further describes the qualities of the Prophet, stating, Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.
7:157. This passage underscores the Prophet's role as a moral guide and the importance of adhering to his teachings without representation that might distort them.
In summary, while there may be some cultural variations, the predominant view in Iran aligns with the broader Islamic perspective that forbids visual depictions of the Prophet Muhammad as a means to preserve the sanctity of his message and maintain the integrity of Islamic teachings.
Sources
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48:28 · Al-Fath
48:28 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُۥ بِٱلْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ ٱلْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلدِّينِ كُلِّهِۦ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ شَهِيدًۭا
He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion. And Allah sufficeth as a Witness.
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7:157 · Al-A'raaf
7:157 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلرَّسُولَ ٱلنَّبِىَّ ٱلْأُمِّىَّ ٱلَّذِى يَجِدُونَهُۥ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَٱلْإِنجِيلِ يَأْمُرُهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَىٰهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْخَبَٰٓئِثَ وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَٱلْأَغْلَٰلَ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُۥٓ ۙ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.
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