Rice Inner Faith Dialogue - Islam, Art, and Creativity

8/12/2019 Rice Inner Faith Dialogue - Islam, Art, and Creativity

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In the best of moulds:Hopes and Fears for Islam, Culture, and the Creative Arts

Rice Muslim Student AssociationSalman Ahmed

February 28, 2014An Invitation

Read! In the name of your Lord who created-

Created man out of a clot of congealed blood:

Read! And your Lord is most Bountiful

He who taught the (use of the) Pen

Taught man that which he did not know.

Nay, but man transgresses all bounds,

In that he looks upon himself as self-sufficient.

Creation in Islam

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: On theDay of Judgment, the creators of idols are theones most chastised. They will be told to givelife to the creatures whose images they made,

and they wont be able to do it (Bukhari,Muslim).

Creation in Islam

And if you are in doubt as to what We haverevealed from time to time to Our servant,then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call

your witnesses or helpers besides Allah if your

(doubts) are true. But if you cannot and of a surety you cannot

then fear the Fire whose fuel is Men andStones, - which is prepared for those whoreject Faith.


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Self Expression in Islam

Faith and Art

Faith needs art. And everywhere, in all cultures

and civilizations,

The necessity of entertainment

By He who holds my soul in His hands, if youwere able to remain in the spiritual state inwhich you are in my company and inpermanent remembrance of God, angelswould shake your hands with you in yourbeds and along paths. But if not so,Handhalah, there is a time for this [devotion,remembrance] and a time for that [rest,distraction, entertainment].

A four letter word: Bida

Chiefly with respect to religious matters

Wish to protect the religion frominfringement of customs that have no root inQuran or Sunnah.

Possibility of good innovation stronglygrounded in Quran or Sunnah.

i.e. loudspeakers at Masajid.


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Bida Sunnah dichotomy

The worst of things are abominations[muhdathat; lit. innovations; unprecedentedmatters], and every bida is misguidance.

Not a categorical prohibition of innovativeideas or practices but a warning to stay withinsound legal parameters in accepting orrejecting them.

The case of Tarawi: An Excellent Bida

Bida Ijtihad Balance

It is vital for Muslims today to have an authenticand sophisticated understanding of bida as aregulatory mechanism and of ijtihad as a

process for inducing Islamic creativity.

The sources of Prophetic revelation are the keyresource Muslims possess for sound Islamicthought, while Islams rich legal and theologicaltraditions are also indispensable for an authenticunderstanding of the revealed sources.

Global Culture

Hollywood2014

Medina

622

Modernism, the cult of progress, technology,and productivity clearly go in tandem with

impoverishment of the souls...


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Global Culture of Pluralism

"There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world.They were of all colors But we were all participating in the sameritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that myexperiences in America had led me to believe never could existbetween the white and non-white."

The Muslim Artist

Remaining faithful to higher principles andethical objectives, wherever one may be, whiledeveloping a curiosity and creativity thatmake it possible to integrate aesthetic modelsand artistic expressions form all cultures andbackgrounds.

The Muslim Artist

What stories, ideas, themes, and characters arewe not seeing in todays art, entertainment,and culture?

The slippery slope

Art

Enter-

tainment

Culture

&Identity

Advertising


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How do art and entertainment shape us?

I pick up a heavy volume of fourcollected James Bond novels by IanFleming. I start reading and Imabsolutely hooked Fleming is astorytelling genius and these novelsare absolutely intoxicating. Thecharacter of Commander JamesBond is a compelling role model Ieven look like him!


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What is the goal of art and entertainment?

Ths

As we descended yet another set ofsteps, the pilgrims ahead of us cameto an abrupt standstill. Quickly wehalted. I strained to see the cause ofthe delay ahead. Sounds vanishedinto silence. Thousands melted fromvision. I found myself alone,standing at the gate of God. I gazedupon the Kaaba, eyes wideningwith wonder


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In the best of moulds

What must characterize contemporary artnurtured by Islamic ethics is its capacity tospeak about everything, the universal innerself, aspirations and contradictions, good andevil, quest and betrayal, with nobility,sincerity, and warmth. Art should bereconciled with the true freedom of sayingeverything while inviting the heart and mindto transcend the worst degradation.

On a personal note

You are students at one of the best universitiesin the world. Take every day lovingly. Wakeup with Allah on your lips and in your heartand let the rest of your day be a show of

gratitude to him by being the best you can beat everything you do.

Let your love of Allah overpower the fears offailure, of being criticized, of being different.

What do you think?


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Inner Faith Dialogue Islam, Culture and the Creative Arts

February 28, 2014

Guided Discussion Questions

1. Is there a divine mandate for creative expression, i.e. does God want us to participatein the creative arts or does He discourage it?

2. How can one be creative without being guilty of bida (innovation)?3. What is the difference between art and entertainment?4. What is the role of art in a Muslims life?5. What is the role of entertainment in a Muslims life?6. How can artistic expression help Muslims more fully integrate into and contribute

towards their respective societies?

7. What are the fears amongst Muslims regarding art and entertainment?8. What are acceptable portrayals of the human body in art?9. How can art and entertainment celebrate the diversity of the Muslim experience?10.What is your interpretation of how Islam can fit into American culture and how

American culture can fit into Islam?

11.How does the modern culture of affluence affect ones worship?12.How does the post modern ethic of a multitude of truths affect ones worship?13.How do art and entertainment affect ones daily life and attitudes towards:

a. Religionb. Relationshipsc. Workd. Money and stuff

14.What are the higher principles guiding Islamic forays into art and entertainment? Howcan these safeguard against the risks of modern artistic and cultural expression while

allowing for bold, insightful work that helps Muslims practice their religion morefaithfully?

15.What themes, stories, narratives, or ideas do you wish could be told in an Islamicfashion?

16.How does commercialism and materialism affect art and entertainment and vice versa?Suggested Readings

Culture and the Arts. Tariq Ramadan. Radical Reform: Islamic Ethics and Liberation.

Culture: What is it good for? Ubaydullah Evans. January 3, 2014.

Innovation and Creativity in Islam. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah.

Is Writing Fiction Allowed? Whats your proof? Umm Zakiyyah. March 5, 2011.


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Bismillah - An invitation

Throughout the talk. Shows art from Islamic sources and non Islamic sources.

Art/creativity affects us from the very beginning. We start understanding life through the stories we are told.

Shows verses from Iqra

Shows both the importance of reading but also the search for divine inspiration

"Pen" is not just as a tool for writing. But also the camera. Also the voice

First revelation was to "Read!"

Goes back to point of Iqra

What constitutes "Islamic Art". Can non-Muslims create Islamic art?

Shows a picture of a baby in an embryo drawn by Leo Da Vinci.

Does that mean we cant draw?

What if drawing can save lives?

Creation as a divine gift in Islam.

Damian Hurst whose work satyrized daily life.

The calf is healthhy looking.Beautiful. Marble underneath.

Golden Calf sold for 10.2 million -- proof that things really are deified

Golden Calf

Creation in Islam

Surah Rahman talks

Self-Expression in Islam

"Faith needs art. And everywhere , in all cultures, and civilizations"

Tariq Ramadan reference to Radical Reform

Prophet replies that the man ate the pits with his dates.

Prophet seen as councilor and advisor. So even his silence is something to be noted.

Was he silent with regard to art?

Hadith about a guy who kept eating dates and handing his Prophet's plates full of pits.

"There is a time for this and a time for that"

Quotes hadith about the necessity of entertainment.

Shows video from "Allah Made Me Funny"

Possibility of "Good" Innovation

Tarawi "An Excellent Bid'a" according to Umar -- Not something performed as communal ritual during

the time of the Prophet. Umar then declared that it would be obligatory

Four letter word: "Bid'a"

From root Jahada or jihad -- the struggle.Bid'ah as a regulatory mechanism and ijtihad as a process for inducing Islamic creativity

Ijtihad Balance

"Is Hajj obligatory every year"? If he had said yes it would have become obligatory. Do not excessively

ask questions. "So if I order you with something then do as much of it as you are able, and if I forbid you

from something then keep away from it"

Silence and Permissibility:

Iron Man 3 - Gross $170 million. Is it wrong to watch a movie like this? Is it good to watch a movie like

this?

Would the Prophet have watched a movie like this?

Hollywood

IFD #3 - Art and CreativityFriday, February 28, 2014

7:08 PM

Lab and Software Page 1


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How does Robert Downey Jr. affect perception of role today

Hollywood 2014 and Medina 622 (Opposite Directions)

Both paths can be disrespectful of diversity

Global Culture

"Modernism, the cult of progress, technology, and productivity clearly go in tandem with the impoverishment

of the souls"

The Truman Show"

The Joneses.

One can say these movies include parts that are not good, but also sections that are very good.

Life under the Microscope

Tens of thousands of pilgrim sfrom all over the world.

Malcolm X autobiography

Global culture of pluralism

"Remaining Faitful to higher principles and ethical objectives, wherever one may be" - T. Ramadan

The Muslim Artist

Harry Potter could be seen as Islamic art

What stories, ideas, themes, and characters are not seeing in today's art, entertainment, and culture? Cultural

domination of few themes. Can Muslims contribute something to the social equation

Lupe Fiasco

Slippery Slope - Art, Entertainment, Advertising -- All three affect Culture and Identity.

How can we be selective in what we choose.

How do art and entertainment shape us?

What is the goal of art and entertainment?

Amr Khan - Good guy

Drake - Cant ignore how known these figures

J Timberlake - Also everywhere

James Bond - Aston Martins

Imran Ahmed - What it was like to grow up in England. Quotes from the Perfect Gentleman: "I pick up a

heavy volume of four collected James Bond novels by Ian Fleming. I start reading and I'm absolutely

hooked." -- Molded himself after those who are on screen.

Shows pictures:

Is it to express our humanity?

Is it to invite people to Islam?

Is it to lose our minds and self-control?

What is the goal of art and entertainment

Allah necklace editing

Can we be more than reactive

Katy Perry - Most followed person on Twitter

Using stardom to benefit people in a positive way

Angelina Jolie

Compares Egyptian pop vs American Pop

Egyptian pop takes it for granted the monogamy.

Lebanese singer



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Writer of Muslim woman Qanta A. Ahmed

Echoes the ethos of Iqra

What must characterize contemporary art nurturued by Islamic ethics is its capacity to speak about everything,

the universal inner self, aspirations and contradictions, good and evil, quest and betrayal.

Wake up with Allah on your lips and in your heart. And let the rest of your day be a show of gratitude to

Him by being the best you can be at everything you do.

Personal note:

-----------------------------------------------------------------What is the Muslim contribution to the narrative?

Muslim protagonist as an avatar of perfection. Use of figures as dawah

Question of indulgence as something wrong or as something valuable?

Art as something needing to be guided

Islamic contribution to the table?

Wajhat Ali

How does Islam view art?

Question of: Do you feel guilty engaging in or listening to music whose messages are contrary to "Islamic

traditions"?

Method and message.

Are you being brainwashed. Is it haram?

Maybe music makes me more conscious.. So why is it haram?

I feel sad to hear about why Music and Islam is haram. Halal is clear and Haram is clear.

How do we defend the idea of

"Lahwal Hadith" - meaninglessness of words

I dont want to follow a rule just because it is there. I want to be rational about it.

As long as its not bad? What is actually bad? One could argue that even in bad music. Freedom of

expression? Remember Miley Cyrus actors cringed. Classifies it as bad.

Ahmed: What is the actual contribution of Islam that adds value to culture

Max: Question of art in the history is clear. West put conscious effort to push it back

Anisah: Muslim artists criticized.

Monument Men - Muslim saved the art of the past.

Andy Warhol of Islam?Important trait of art is creativity. But the criticism is so high. That keeps away creativity. There needs to be a

lot of freedom in Islamic society. With freedom comes good and bad things.

Parental push back.

"Why are you doing that. It's a waste of time"

Imran: Artist is not a preferred route for professions. Nobody is doing.

Everyone is an artist.

Anisah: Why does art have to be separate from your career.

Is there a domain that isn't being covered.

Islamic art doesnt have to be - Westernized art with an Islamic spin. It can just be good Western art with

higher Islamic principles.

Could be difficult to fetishize "Islamic Art". Why is that all lumped.. Trivalize and contributes to society. Islamic

art cannot simply be "Islamic". More benefit than

Nabid: Positive impact that art can have. Place called the National Geographic Museum. Photographs from

war.

Art as a conscious act of perception and expression.

Value in defending Muslims who create art. Regardless of their production. Because good art requires

creativity. Creativity requires freedom.

Faith will show through your medium.

I don't know but, I think he would have had popcorn and been watching some movie?

He would have ben iron man"

Would the Prophet watch Iron Man 3?



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Defending folks is right to create art. Shout it down. Give people the freedom to create real art.

Rice Inner Faith Dialogue - Islam, Art, and Creativity

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