Islamic clerics in India have issued a fatwa against cartoons, saying the animated shows make a mockery of what they say are Allah’s creations.
The ban stems from religious leaders at Darul Uloom seminary in the India community of Deoband, BBC reported. It encompasses all animated shows, even those with comedic tones, such as cartoons, saying such watching violates the basic principles of Islam, the Deccan Herald reported.
“A cartoon is a picture,” said senior cleric Mufti Arif Quasmi in the Deccan Herald. “Besides, it is not for the children. It should not be watched.”
Strict Islamic law says nothing that Allah created should be mocked — and that cartoons actually mimic what Allah created. At the same time, other interpreters of Islamic law say photographs and real videos are permitted.
The cartoon ban already has been met with some skepticism.
One member of the All India Personal Law Board said the Darul Uloom determination was actually “making a mockery” of Islam.
“I don’t think the muftis who issued the fatwa have any knowledge of the subject or have applied their mind to understanding the art of cartoons at all,” said one senior imam, BBC reported.
Darul Uloom in the past has issued fatwas against women wearing perfume with alcohol, having tattoos, donning jeans or adopting hairstyles similar to those worn by women in the West.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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