Assalâmu’alaikum. It has come to our knowledge that the Tate Britain in Millbank, London SW1, recently put up a painting of A’isha (ra), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the daughter of Abu Bakr (ra). A’isha (ra) is recorded to have narrated around 12,000 traditions, of which 174 were accepted by Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Al-Muslim.
A painting of this great woman of Islam can be found hanging at a public gallery at the Tate Britain (Section 15 of the Victorian Art Collection), painted by artist Valentino Cameron Prinsep (1838-1904). The painting is labelled as ‘Ayesha exhibited 1887 (oil on canvas)’ without any mention of her relationship to the Prophet (saw). It was first displayed in 1887 at the Royal Academy in 1887, purchased by the president and council of the Royal Academy of Arts.
What is our objection to this painting as Muslims and what ought we do? When volunteers from the East London Masjid and Women’s Relief confronted the Tate management expressing their objections and disgust at the painting, the official response was that:
(a) the painting and others of the Prophet and his family members are displayed in Iran;
B. that there has not been much objection from the British Muslim community to warrant its removal; and
C. that the Tate was merely to trying to exhibit art from the Islamic civilisations.
Our objections:
-
The vast majority of Muslims in Britain and abroad do not approve of paintings or sculptures generally on Islamic grounds, especially members of the Prophet’s family.
-
The painting, albeit in good faith, is insensitive and can severely hurt British Muslims. We must not forget the Satanic verses which inflamed Muslim feelings world-wide.
-
Whilst we do not wish to enter into Shi‘i-Sunni debate which will only serve to weaken our case, it needs to be noted that over 90% of British Muslims are Sunni and that even prominent Shi‘ah scholars object to paintings and sculptures of life forms.
- If Tate Britain sincerely wishes to promote art from the Muslim world and promote better understanding between faiths and communities, it should do so in consultation with representatives from the Muslim community in Britain.
What you should do?
Please call, fax, e-mail or visit the Tate Britain to politely register your objection to the painting of A’isha (ra). When we last spoke to the managers of the Tate, they said they had only received a few complaints complaints. If more complaints are filed the managers will be obliged to remove the painting.
Speak to Roger Miller (Visitor Services’ Training Manager) or Steven Deucher (Director of the Gallery).
Tel: 020 7887 8725
Fax: 020 7887 8788
E-mail: www.tate.org.uk
Nearest Tube: Pimlico
Nearest Rail: Vauxhall
Buses: 88, 77A, C10
Brothers and Sisters, we must not forget our duty and reverence for the Prophet and his family. Allah, the Exalted reminds us:
“And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.” (22:32)
Let us also take heed from the words of the Prophet (saw) where he reminds us in part of a hadith narrated by Yazid bin Haiyan, " .. I remind you (to be kind) to the members of my family. I remind you (to be kind) to the members of my family." [Muslim].
The least we can do to show our bond of affection and reverence for the Prophet’s family is to register our complaint from the comfort of our homes and offices. Please tell others.
, Sahaba