LEXICAL & JURISPRUDENTIAL FRAMEWORKThe methodological framework of Ṣaḥīfat al-Ṣabr relies on precise classical jurisprudence and lexicography regarding visual representation (taṣwīr). Linguistic, spatial, and legal distinctions dictate the boundaries of permissible form:I. Lexical & Spatial Categories• Ṣūrah (Image): An all-inclusive term encompassing two-dimensional marks (sketches, paintings, photographs) and three-dimensional solid forms (carvings, statues). It carries both spatial and conceptual weight.
• Timthāl (Statue / Likeness): Classical lexicography (al-Mu‘jam al-Wasīṭ) recognizes timthāl as synonymous with ṣūrah. Context determines whether it refers specifically to a carved three-dimensional figure or broadly to an image embedded on a flat surface.
• Lahu Jirm / Lahu Ẓill (Solid / Shadow-Casting): Three-dimensional forms possessing physical mass (mujassamah/Mujassadah/Lahu Jurm) that cast a shadow (lahu ẓill).
• Laisa Lahu Ẓill (Flat / Non-Shadow-Casting): Two-dimensional marks on a plane or surface (ghair mujassamah), such as ink on paper or canvas.II. Legal Taxonomy of FormA. Prohibited Corpus (Animate / Soul-Bearing Forms):• Classical consensus (ijmā‘) prohibits the depiction—whether solid (lahu ẓill) or flat (laisa lahu ẓill)—of animate beings possessing a soul (rūḥ / nafs). This prohibition protects against the exaltation of form (shirk) and the imitation of Divine creation (muḍāhāt).B. Permissible Corpus (Mā Lā Nafsa Lahū / Inanimate Forms):• Inanimate Creation: Lifeless organic creation (trees, vegetation) and inorganic matter (mountains, minerals) are permissible according to the majority of scholars (jumhūr), anchored in the narration of Ibn ‘Abbās: “If you must do so, make images of trees and lifeless things.”
• Human Artifacts (Ṣana‘at al-Insān): Man-made objects lacking life or spirit (machinery, architecture, vessels) are permissible by consensus.III. Methodological PrecautionWhere legal ambiguities exist surrounding modern mechanical replication (generative AI) or doubtful matters (shubhāt), the protocol adheres strictly to precautionary principles and the prophetic imperative: “Leave that which causes you doubt for that which does not.” The resulting practice entirely vacates the realm of representation, channeling all durational labor into aniconic, non-imitative ink-fields.IV. Ontological Distinction: Aniconism VS. AbstractionṢaḥīfat al-Ṣabr is fundamentally aniconic, not merely abstract. Where modern abstraction often distorts, simplifies, or decomposes existing material figures, aniconism operates entirely outside the realm of depiction. Guided by classical rulings on visual representation (taṣwīr), the protocol does not reduce the figure; it bypasses representation at the outset, allowing form to emerge strictly as an index of time, discipline, and devotion.
"Superficial forms are easily rendered; authentic practice demands an unforgeable rigor."
SELECTED REFERENCES & BIBLIOGRAPHYThe theoretical foundation of the practice—translating classical textual strictures into a durational, non-figurative drawing protocol—draws from sustained study of Islamic jurisprudence, historical art theory, and Western critical discourse.
Islamic Jurisprudence & Legal Rulings (Fiqh)• Al-Musnad, Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azīz, coll. "Pictures, the Media, Singing and Music." In Fatawa Islamiyyah: Islamic Verdicts, Vol. 8, 152–205. Verdicts by Sh. Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baaz, Sh. Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen, Sh. Abdullah ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Jibreen, The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, and The Fiqh Council. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2002.
• Ibn Baaz, Abdul-Aziz. "Ruling On Taswir (Idols, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography) Of Any Being With A Soul." AbdurRahman.Org. February 6, 2013. https://abdurrahman.org/2013/02/06/ruling-on-taswir-idolspainting-drawingsculpturephotography-of-any-being-with-a-soul-shaikh-ibn-baaz-rahimahullaah/
• Shākir, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbd al-Raʾūf, coll. and trans. The Islamic Ruling Concerning Tasweer: Two and Three Dimensional Images, Drawings, Paintings, Photography and Sculptures. Zakee Muwwakkil Books & Articles/CWP Publishing & Distribution, 1998.Islamic Aesthetic Theory• Al-Jawziyah, Ibn Qayyim. "The Status of the Pen" (excerpt from At-Tibyan fee Aqsamil Quran). Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Lamont Battle. Accessed April 2, 2015. https://www.abuaaliyah.com/the-status-of-the-pen-ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyyah/.
• Al Faruqi, Lois Ibsen. "An Islamic Perspective on Symbolism in the Arts: New Thoughts on Figural Representation" In Art, Creativity, and the Sacred: An Anthology in Religion and Art, edited by Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, pp. 164–178. The Continuum Publishing Company, 1995.
• Al Faruqi, Lois Ibsen. Islam and Art. National Hijrah Council, 1985.
• Al Faruqi, Lois Lamya. God in Visual Aesthetic Expression: A Comparative Study in Transcendence Symbolization. Temple University, 1981.
• Hanash, Idham Mohammed. The Theory of Islamic Art: Aesthetic Concepts and Epistemic Structure. The International Institute of Islamic Thought, 2017.
Western Critical Theory and Aesthetics• Barzun, Jacques. The Use and Abuse of Art. Princeton University Press, 1974.
• Elkins, James. On The Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art, Chapters 1–2. Routledge, 2004.
• Kandinsky, Wassily. "Part I: About General Aesthetic." In Concerning the Spiritual in Art, translated by Michael T. H. Sadler, Chapters 1–3. Dover Publications, 1977.
• Shalem, Avinoam. "What do we mean when we say ‘Islamic art’? A plea for a critical rewriting of the history of the arts of Islam" In Journal of Art Historiography Number 6 (June 2012).
• Wolfe, Tom. The Painted Word. Picador, 1975.Lectures and Media• Elkins, James. "An Imago Conversation - Religion & Contemporary Art." Hosted by John Franklin, YouTube video, 29:10, May 23, 2013. https://youtu.be/kpLWryFe7vE
• Elkins, James. "Concepts and Problems in the Visual Arts, Lecture C25: Art and Religion." YouTube video, 21:12, January 28, 2022. https://youtu.be/Z-qvGgvFrcM
• Elkins, James. "On the Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art." Hosted by Biola University, YouTube video, 55:56, March 15, 2008. https://youtu.be/U88POHX1Jo4
• Elkins, James. "Shiv Nadar University | Dr. James Elkins on Artistic Research and Knowledge." Hosted by Shiv Nadar University, YouTube, 1:29:29, December 16, 2021. https://youtu.be/IbOub9UUFjI
• Hickey, Dave. "Art in A Democratic Society." Hosted by the University of Memphis, YouTube video, 1:06:15, April 17, 2007. https://youtu.be/pa4SJ7GvDk8