Using Quranic Verses For Graphic Design Projects

Darulifta Ahlesunnat

(Dawateislami)

Question

   What do the scholars of Islam say about the following matter: posters are made on computers for Islamic gatherings. Is it permissible to write Quranic verses on these in various designs?

بِسْمِ اللہِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ

اَلْجَوَابُ بِعَوْنِ الْمَلِکِ الْوَھَّابِ اَللّٰھُمَّ ھِدَایَۃَ الْحَقِّ وَالصَّوَاب              ِ

   If the following principles are adhered to, it will be permitted to write Quranic verses in different designs:

1.        The Quranic verses should be in accordance to the Uthmanic text style, and no letter should be added or removed, as the Uthmanic text style is tawqīfī (determined by Shariah) and in accordance to the teachings of the noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, with the entire Ummah having consensus on preserving it.

2.        The final calligraphic design should not be in the form of a living thing, such as an animal, as this undermines the respect due to the Quranic verse. Also, if this poster is printed, then due to it falling into the ruling of a picture, it will be impermissible for this reason too. This is because when a rendering is printed, the ruling of a picture applies to it, and to make pictures of living things, without a valid reason, is haram and unlawful. This has been severely condemned in the hadith.

3.        If the purpose of writing these verses is so that they can be recited, then the font should not be so small, faint, thin, and tight that it is difficult to read, as this is disliked (makrūh) and opposes the entire purpose. However, if the purpose is to gain blessings, then there is no harm. This is similar to an Islamic amulet (taʿwīdh) that contains Quranic verses, where it is permissible to write them in a fine font, because the purpose here is to gain blessings, and this is being achieved.

4.        It should not be written in such a manner or place that is considered disrespectful according to the societal norms. For example, a Quranic verse must not be placed alongside a story about something that is debased, or with an inappropriate background.

   It should be noted that if these rules are not observed, it will be impermissible to make these designs.

وَاللہُ اَعْلَمُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ وَرَسُوْلُہ اَعْلَم صَلَّی اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم