SCULPTURE. Arabic ansab انساب
The making of carved, graven or sculptured figures is understood to be forbidden in the Qur’an under the term sanam an idol (see Surah xiv 38), also in Surah v. 92 “Verily wine and games of chance; and statues (ansab), and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s device.”
Consequently, sculpture is not allowed according to Muslim law, although ar-Raghib says a sanam is that which diverts the mind from God.
The making of carved, graven or sculptured figures is understood to be forbidden in the Qur’an under the term sanam an idol (see Surah xiv 38), also in Surah v. 92 “Verily wine and games of chance; and statues (ansab), and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s device.”
Consequently, sculpture is not allowed according to Muslim law, although ar-Raghib says a sanam is that which diverts the mind from God.
Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam
© 2025 All Rights Reserved