aniconism

[ an-ahy-kuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. opposition to the use of idols or images.
2. the worship of objects symbolic of but not depicting a deity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aniconism¹

First recorded in 1905–10; an- ¹ + icon + -ism

Example Sentences

This is why Chowpatty beach food stalls flaunt colourful, decorative typefaces and why in predominantly Muslim areas such as Dongri, even the English signage is adorned with the flourish of Arabic calligraphy, without any accompanying images, a result of Islamic aniconism, or the avoidance of representations of the natural and supernatural world.

From The Guardian

“Depicting Muhammad’s face is not allowed in either Sunni or Shia tradition, but images of any face is seen as wrong in Sunni Islam,” Bahmanpour said in reference to aniconism, the banning of imagery surrounding religious figures or living things.

From Newsweek