Thinking of Embracing Islam? There’s One Thing Holding Me Back…

Assalamu alaikum, everyone! I’ve been learning about Islam for a while now, and honestly, this deen really speaks to my heart. I grew up in a Christian household, but the more I study Islam, the more its teachings make sense to me-sometimes even clearer than the Bible did. I really love how the Qur’an says no human can be God, and that men and women are equal in value and in the sight of Allah. That really hit me and got me even more curious. So yeah… I’m seriously considering joining Islam, but there’s one thing that’s making me hesitate. I just don’t get why art is seen as bad or haram. I haven’t found any verse in the Quran that says paintings or music are harmful. It’s only in other texts that they talk about not drawing humans or animals with “souls.” And honestly, that idea feels kind of old-fashioned to me. If art is wrong, then why did Allah create people who are so passionate about it-like painting, poetry, or music? We all know some folks love science and others express themselves through art, telling truths about life in a creative way. I do know Muslims avoid making paintings or sculptures to stop people from worshipping them or comparing them to Allah’s creation. I respect that, but I don’t fully understand it. In Christianity, we also avoid praying to statues or icons, but we don’t take it to the extreme of avoiding art altogether. Why can’t we paint the beautiful reality Allah created, just because we’re scared it might lead to idol worship? To me, it just seems unbelievable to stop people from doing their passion, especially when it doesn’t hurt anyone. Art shows the beauty of the world around us-it’s just an expression of wonder. Painting everyday people in normal situations shouldn’t be forbidden, because nobody’s worshipping that kind of art. Art is meant to make us feel, to think, and to capture moments-not to be turned into an object of worship. Enjoying a painting isn’t the same as treating it like a god. There’s a clear line between appreciating art and worshipping an image. So, what should I do, brothers and sisters? I’m an artist, I’ve spent my life learning to capture reality, and now I’m told that what I love might be sinful or dangerous. It really shook me, and I feel so torn…