The nascent Muslim community lived among those who worshipped using icons and idols, but icons and idols have no place in Islamic worship. The opposition to anything suggesting the use of icons or idols was so strong that the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, "The angels do not enter a house in which there is an image." This is interpreted to mean images of animals or humans; exceptions include toys for children and images on items not designed for admiration or worship. Images of inanimate objects, including plants, are considered permissible. While this is the mainstream juridical view of creating images and worship, some Muslim mystical or fringe groups may use images in places of worship.
The concept of tawhid, the uniqueness of God, is central to Islamic belief. Muslims testify to their belief in a singular God several times daily, and the idea of "shirk" or offering worship to any being except God, is antithetical to core Islamic beliefs. The Quran repeatedly stresses both the singularity of God and the uniqueness of God's attributes, and that nothing is to be worshipped except God. To create an image that might be worshipped instead of God is anathema to observant Muslims. Many Muslims feel comfortable creating images that are clearly not intended for worship, such as a photo for identification purposes. But some conservative Muslims shun even these.
The Quran is central to the lives of many Muslims, and excerpts from the Quran are a common sight in areas with large Muslim populations. The Quran is also one of the chief sources for text for Islamic calligraphy. Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran regularly, and the text is part of daily life even for Muslims who don't read Arabic because Islamic calligraphy adorns mosques, homes and cars. Islamic calligraphy includes traditional Islamic greetings, such as the "Eid Mubarak (Blessed Holiday)" on the U.S. Postal Service-issued stamp, the name of Muhammad, the attributes of God and traditional supplications.
While Islamic source texts discourage creating images of animate objects, creating beautiful objects is encouraged. Muslims are commanded to wear beautiful clothing when they pray, and the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, "Allah is Beautiful and He Loves Beauty." Muslim artists take this cue to create ornaments, jewelry and beautiful objects for the home and mosque. Artists embellish clothing and adorn drums, leather goods and bodies with intricate henna designs.