The Hidden Art of Islam

Synopsis

Explore the tradition of figurative art at the heart of Islam with host Rageh Omaar. Muslim belief and tradition specifies that there should be no depictions of God or the Prophet Muhammad. In religious contexts, this constraint on what artists can depict extends to human figures and other living creatures as well. These prohibitions have inspired a rich visual culture based on calligraphy, Arabesque floral designs, and geometry, all of which feature strongly in the art and design found throughout Islam, including in mosques and the Koran. With the help of fine art and religion experts, host Rageh Omaar (The Life of Muhammad) traces the effect of these beliefs over the centuries on the art and artists of the Islamic world and considers why depictions of pilgrims taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage have become part of the accepted tradition of Islamic art, including in work exhibited at the British Museum.

Main Cast

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Faris Kermani
Production	Executive Producer	Aaqil Ahmed
	Producer's Assistant	Nayha Kalia
Sound	Music	Adam Easton
	Sound	Jez Spencer
Editing	Editor	Tim Arrowsmith
Department	Role	Name

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