One of the worst things about Christmas: The song “Away in a Manger!” Ask Mary and she’s going to tell you, “Actually a lot of crying he makes!”
One of the best things about Christmas: Pictures of Jesus in a manger with his mom and dad. This one is my favorite.
If you grew up as a Christian, you’ve likely been exposed to hundreds (thousands?) of images of Jesus. Some of them amazing, some stunning and some you just wish you could unsee. But likely you don’t think your appreciation or enjoyment of a particular picture of Jesus might lead to idolatry. I think you’re right.
But the possibility of idolatry seems to be one of the key reasons many Muslims forbid images of Muhammad, and to a lesser degree the other prophets. The prohibition is not overtly in the Quran, but traces back to some statements and actions attributed to Muhammad and recorded in the Hadith.
When Muhammad has been depicted in art, often by Muslims for Muslims, it is with respect and honor, his face obscured with a veil. Muslims refrain from painting Muhammad’s face because, not knowing what he looked like, any depiction is prone to misrepresentation.
While the reluctance to depict Muhammad is not difficult to understand, the intensity of response by some to his image being shown sometimes is. My hunch is that most Muslims do not like to see pictures of Muhammad, particularly mocking ones like on the cover of Charlie Hebdo, but also disagree with violent response to them.
Our challenge is to not lump all Muslims together, but to recognize all Muslims are created by God and creatively love and respect the ones God brings across our paths and minds.