Encyclopedia of Islam

comic strips and comic books

  

159  J

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traditional folk art, modern print publications, 

and commercial art. Islamic comics have several 

different kinds of themes. Some involve holy fig-

ures mentioned in the q

Uran

 or famous people 

in early Islamic history. Muslim prophets such 

as  a

braham

 and m

Uhammad

 are never portrayed 

in human form in these publications. Rather, 

such comics depict a landscape or a burst bubble 

accompanied by a speech bubble or narration 

box containing the prophet’s words, while the 

prophet himself remains invisible. Other people 

are shown in human form, however. Another kind 

of Islamic comic seeks to teach the importance of 

performing one’s ritual obligations, living a pious 

life, or adhering to the ethical values of Islam. 

Muslim periodicals published in Europe and 

North America contain comics for children that 

address similar issues. These are also intended 

to help youth learn about their religious heritage 

in secular societies where they are in the minor-

ity. On the other hand, anti-Islamic comics have 

been published in the United States and Europe 

by individuals and groups seeking to convert 

Muslims or criticize or insult their beliefs and 

practices. Such activity, while it is allowed in the 

name of freedom of the press, has provoked angry 

responses, as witnessed in Europe in 2006 when 

the publication of unsympathetic cartoon images 

of Muhammad in Denmark and other countries 

sparked demonstrations by immigrant Muslims 

in Europe and outraged Muslims in other parts of 

the world.

See also 

books

 

and

 

bookmaking

; 

calligraphy

; 

e

Urope

; 

Folklore

.