What is the ruling on inferring an image of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) from an ancient painting and citing Quranic verses as evidence for it? And what is the ruling on inferring images of prophets and companions by adducing evidence, relics, inferences, archaeological studies, and descriptions mentioned in some hadiths and verses?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Archaeological studies and their findings are intellectual efforts by their proponents, and it is not possible to definitively confirm their صحتها (validity) or conclusively declare their خطئها (error). They must be free from Shariah prohibitions, such as speaking on behalf of Allah without knowledge or pursuing that of which one has no knowledge. This emphasis is further heightened in the context of images of prophets, due to the potential for them to lead to ghuluw (exaggeration/extremism), taqdis (sanctification), and tabarruk (seeking blessings), which are causes of (polytheism/associating partners with Allah).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 138482
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy