Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why do the mosaics in the Dome of the Rock avoid images of people and animals?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Israel, features a large gold dome and ornate blue and gold exterior, set against a backdrop of densely packed stone buildings. — Dome of the Rock Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem.

The mosaics in the Dome of the Rock avoid images of people and animals due to the Islamic principle of aniconism—the religious prohibition against the representation of living creatures.12

This practice is rooted in the belief that God is the sole author of life; therefore, creating a likeness of a living being is considered an attempt to rival God’s creative power. Furthermore, aniconism serves as a safeguard against idolatry, ensuring that visual art does not become an object of worship, which would be inconsistent with the strict monotheism of Islam.13

In accordance with this tradition, the mosaics at the Dome of the Rock focus on non-figural ornamentation, such as Arabic script and vegetal patterns, alongside depictions of inanimate objects like jewels and crowns. By avoiding representational figures, the art emphasizes its ornamental and symbolic nature rather than a function that might be perceived as competing with divine creation.415