The French offices of Charlie Hebdo were recently attacked by extremists over the magazine's controversial illustrations of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. Why are depictions of the spiritual figure prohibited in Islam?

Learn More:
What Muslims Really Believe About Cartoons Of Muhammad
http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/0...

Q&A: Depicting the Prophet Muhammad
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4674864.stm
"Why the depictions have caused such offence."

The Story of a Picture: Shiite Depictions of Muhammad
https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bits...
"In spite of the relative prohibition of graphic representation of living beings, especially members of the Prophet's family,1 as expressed by religious authorities in the Islamic world, colourful paper prints showing Ali, son-in- law of Muhammad, and his sons Hassan and Hussayn, even the Prophet himself, are not rare in contemporary Iran."

Egypt Bans Movie 'Exodus'
http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/27/world/m...

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of NY: A History of the Courthouse
https://www.nycourts.gov/history/lega...
Placement of the original 1955 exterior sculptures.

Images of Muhammad, Gone for Good
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/wee...
1955, 1974, and 1977 incidents explained.




Why Islam Does (Not) Ban Images of the Prophet
http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/20...
"Contrary to popular belief, Muslim artists over the centuries produced works of devotion, illuminated by faith, and imbued with a deep sense of love."

Watch More:
What's the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KLvj...