Radical Muslims have demonstrated strong feelings about the depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in political cartoons, as well as when he's dressed in a bear costume on "South Park."
Now leaders at a Muslim seminary have gone a step further, issuing a fatwa (or decree) against viewing television cartoons, the BBC reports.
Clifford's fans can't be happy about this turn of events. (Credit: AP)
Religious leaders at the Darul Uloom seminary in Deoband, India, have declared that viewing cartoons is against the tenets of Islam, reports the Deccan Herald. "[A] cartoon is a picture. Besides, it is not for the children. It should not be watched," the Herald quotes senior cleric Mufti Arif Quasmi saying.
Bugs looks none too pleased. (Credit: Merrie Melodies via YouTube)
Islamic teaching varies regarding the depiction of animate objects, the BBC reports; the strictest ban it completely on the basis that it imitates Allah's acts of creation.
One member of the All India Personal Law Board said the Darul Uloom ruling is "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," the senior Imam told Mumbai-based broadsheet DNA.
Regardless of the seminary's views, others in India seems to like their cartoon characters, as (l to r:) Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Micky Mouse perform during "Disney Magic" event in Bangalore, India, Saturday, June 8, 2013. (Credit: AP)
The Herald notes that the seminary has "created a record of sorts in terms of the number of fatwas issued," saying Muslims and "even the clerics" have come against its decrees.
According to the Herald, Darul Uloom has reportedly said it's unlawful for women to:
The seminary's newest fatwa came in response to a question from a Pakistani national regarding Islam's teaching on watching cartoons on television, the Herald says.
(H/T: Weasel Zippers)
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