Questioner: Haidara Saleh — January 14, 2015
I have come across images on the internet depicting Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Is it permissible to depict him in such a way?
Also, a friend gifted me a replica of the sword Zhulfiqar with my name inscribed on it. Is it permissible to write one’s name on Zhulfiqar?
Answer:
Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds. And peace and blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets, his family, and his pure companions.
As for the question: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.
What is commonly referred to today as depiction is not technically considered embodiment (tajseem). True embodiment involves shaping something into a tangible, physical form—like a mold used by a blacksmith or for making sweets, where an object takes on a specific physical likeness. Artistic illustrations, whether static or animated, do not fall under this category.
As for imagining the physical appearance of a Prophet or an Imam and then drawing it—there is no explicit religious text that definitively permits or prohibits this. The matter falls under the realm of personal scholarly opinion (ijtihad), and such opinions are not binding.
Some may choose to avoid it out of reverence and respect, while others may engage in it with the same intention. This is a personal choice, and both positions (Mustahab and Makrouh) fall under the category of permissible discretionary matters (mubah):
If one likes it, they may do it.
If one dislikes it, they may abstain.
As for inscribing a name on a sword modeled after Zhulfiqar, there is no harm in it. It does not diminish the sanctity of the sword, nor does it enhance its value spiritually.
Merely resembling something does not make it identical to the original.
Even if someone were to possess the original Zhulfiqar—or any item used by a Prophet or Imam—they would not be under any obligation regarding how to treat it in terms of writing or inscriptions. How much less concern, then, for a mere replica?
People differ in what they like and dislike, and what I may find acceptable, others may not, and vice versa.
It is also important to distinguish between human artistic depictions and the divine act of creation, as expressed in the Qur’an:
O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous * Who created you, fashioned you, * and proportioned you? In whatever form He willed, He assembled you. [ Surah Al-Infitar, 6–8 ]
He created the heavens and the earth in truth and formed you, and made your forms beautiful. And to Him is the final return. [ Surah At-Taghabun, 3 ]
Drawing with pencil or using a camera with light exposure is not comparable to sculpting idols or statues, nor does it fall under the category of forbidden iconography.
Therefore, based on what I know, it does not enter into the realm of religious prohibition for those who believe it might be forbidden.
Above every person of knowledge, there is One more knowing. [ Surah Yusuf, 76 ]
And praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, and companions.
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