Iconoclasm - Flood Encyclopaedia of Islam 3 (original) (raw)

This text explores the concept of iconoclasm within Islamic cultures, emphasizing its differentiated practices beyond the general assumption of widespread idolatry repudiation. It discusses historical instances of iconoclasm, the lack of a singular term in Islamic languages for such practices, and the nuanced motivations behind the alteration or destruction of images in Islamic contexts. The author further analyzes specific case studies, such as the iconographic treatment of figures in art, to illustrate that actions regarded as iconoclastic can also carry redemptive qualities in devotional contexts.