# Introduction rt is the power to feel, realize and virtually live the supernatural experiences. It is also beautifulin its natural way and to express the unexplained complex feeling but lively phenomena like love, agony, loneliness, pain and life itself. In the book by Qardhawi (1995) 1 entitled 'The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam: Al-Halal Wal Haram FilIslam' which discussed the concept of Halal (legitimacy) and Haram (prohibition) in Islam, the Prophet Muhammad said (as narrated by Muslim), The most severely punished among people (on the Day of Resurrection) will be those who try to create something similar to what Allah has created. In Qardhawi's summary, Imam Thabari stated in the Hadith that people who creates something to be worship besides Allah and he or she realizes it but still does it intentionally; he or she is consideredkufr (denial). However, if it is done accidentally, then it is sinful. Islam literally means submission, purity, obedience and peace. While technically Islam means a way or rules of life which designed the human life who believe in five pillars of Islam (Rukun Islam) which proclaim that there is no God except Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) is God's Messenger, perform ritual prayer five times a day, fasting during the blessed month of Ramadhan, to pay Zakat which means giving alms to the poor and needy and lastly to perform pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah at least once in a lifetime if he/she has all the ability to do so. In Islamthere are three basic elements, which are Belief (Aqidah), Rules (Syariah) and Ethics (Adab) in which the meaning and interpretation are based on the Al Quran and Al Hadith. By this, any form of art can be view as Islamic art as long as its content is align to the thoughts and teachings of Islam. These artworks must be produce by Muslims. A Muslim artist should base and refer to both Al-Quran and Al-Hadith in the effort to develop artwork. # II. # Brief Literature Review Art is considers as the product of creative human activity in which materials are shaped or selected to convey an idea, emotion or visually interesting form. Art itself refers to the use of creative skill and imagination to produce beautiful, work such as painting or sculptures produced by the skill. 2 In the art making process (1998) 3 In understanding an artwork, we have to realize the existence of two major aspects that are "formalistic" and 'iconography", or in the other words, "form" and "content". The characteristics of formalistic aspect include the elements like color, tone, lines, shapes, forms, levels, space, rhythms, and movements and so on. The ability in analyzing these characteristic of formalistic aspect will make us look closer with the question of iconography in the particular artwork. , subject, form and content are the ingredients in producing a work of art. Subjects concern persons, objects or themes. A subject also refers to a particular agreement of the art elements. Form, is commonly understood as the use of the elements in constructing an artwork. Meanwhile, contents can be referring to as a statement, expression or mood, read into the emotional or intellectual message of an artwork. It also refers to the sensory, subjective, psychological or emotional properties felt in a piece of art. Normally, iconography involves questions regarding literature, sociology, psychology, history, belief and others. Tolstoy (1896) 4 stated that art as a method of communication, whichtransfers the emotional sense of an artist. In addition, Read (1959) 5 Art is a discipline, which combine studies on of philosophy, aesthetic, cultural science, sociology, psychology, dissemination, anthropology, comparative study and history of art. From the aspect of element of art, the art origin, art development, art creation, art appreciation, art propaganda, all formulates that art is an idea for the future trends in which it engenders changes and development in human art. defines art as an attempt to create pleasant forms. The pleasant form shall be seen as a form of that captures and frames beauty. # 6 The absence of tradition in visual and 3-D art before the 20th century can be considered because of its Islamic background and due to its strong bonding with its tradition of craft culture. Islamic tradition that rejects the depiction of iconography has validates the common historical practice that is the depiction of symbols in craft tradition. Even though this situation has guaranteed and maintained the existence of sophisticated handicraft culture, it however does not promote a tradition of painting and sculpture. In the context of Contemporary Malaysian art, the deficiency in the development of art has always been related to the religions and cultural background. T.K. Sabapathyin the opinion that: , suggests that Islamic art is form by two words, "Islam" and "Art". He defined Islamic art as a piece of artwork that reflects the advancements of Islam or an advance art object which accepted by Islam. Osman Bakar (1995) 11 III. # Challenges in Malaysian Visual Art said Islamic art in actual fact refers to Islamic manifestation and therefore whenever we talked about Islamic manifestation in art, we actually refer to Islamic art. Hence, any form of artwork can be seen as Islamic art as long as its contents are in line with the thinking and teaching of Islam. This artworks must be presented by Muslims and the Muslim artist must base and refer to both Al Quran and Al Hadith in creating and developing artworks. Historically, the earliest paintings found in Malaysia were in various caves such as Niah Cave in Sarawak; Batu Putih Cave at Kodiang, Kedah; Tambun Cave in Perak and Batu Cincin Cave at Hulu Kelantan. It is believed that all those paintings have been painted by the caveman during the Stone Age. There were many tools used in the paintings, among them were charcoal, hematite and manganese oxide. Most of the motives or subject of the paintings were much related to the their daily life activities and living objects of its time such as hunting scenes, hunted animals likes barking-deer, deer, image of boat, hut and hunting tools. 12 Generally, there are three main factors, which have influenced the development of the early modern art in Malaysia. First, there is the British colonization. Second, is the immigration of "trade nation" and third, the education status. Painting in Modern art was considered as a different piece of artwork as compared to any other conventional art whichare more traditional. They are more individualistic in the sense that it reflecting more about the artist thanthe manifestation of value as a whole in any society. The development of art in Malaysia can be see throughphases, involving such as drawing, painting, printing and sculpture. Malaysian artist used these areas as platform to expresstheir feeling and emotions for the audience. only within fellow artists and their own colleague's artworks. 14 The National Art Gallery established in 1958 by Malaysia. It showed a real support from government in the effort to promote local artists and to mark the declaration of independence. 15 There were various style of artworkssince 1950's up to 1960's, from Realist to Impressionistwork, from Expressionist to Abstract Expressionist movement. All these works are from the result of influences and exposure received by the Malaysian artists. 16 These style, weredevelopedby group of artists who tried to identify themselves identity and they are loosely related. Their artworks indirectly show their personality value of the nation from sociological, cultural, and religions believers. Their works can beconsidered as an extended reaction towards the National Culture policyintroduced by the government in the 70s. 17 The writing by RogayahEstar (2010) In producing artworks, the artists tend toget closer to the subjects related to the situation or events occurred in the country. In other words, they try to approach the in subjects that relate to the local myth and legend, per sue the discussion about cosmological identity, culture inheritance, political issues, situation in Islamic context, the extension of calligraphy art, the physical features of substance, current values and traditions, also any other options of interesting subjects. on the National Cultural Policy explained that the execution of the Policy is tough in terms of accomplishing its objective. Most Malaysian is a quite sensitive of their ethnic group and believers. Furthermore, there are problems due to the rapid development in socioeconomic and politic, which resulted from open and free relationswithforeignaffairs. The acceptance of foreign value of an influential systemand system among small groups of people had resulteddispute in the value system and education, whichhinderedthe development of nationalism and Malaysian national identity. Nevertheless, Dr Tan CheeBeng, speech had said thateven though the establishment of National Cultural Policy is not fully accomplishedbut, on the whole the basic aims and objectives of the Policy has shown positiveimpact and success which can be proud of. The most essential things here, whether traditional or modern art, it should not go against the fundamental faith and divine character in the respective religion. In fact, it must shine the positive identity of each group of race. The variety of custom, tradition and religions in a multi-racial setting of Malaysia, which existed peacefully since long time,must be well preserved. IV. # The axiology: Islamic and Malaysian Axiology derived from the word axios which comes from Yunani language means value and logos which means theory. Therefore, axiology is a theory about value. 19 According to Sun Myung Moon ( 2003) 20 Tefko Saracevic and Paul. B. Kantor (1997) Axiology is the theory that generally deals with the values of trueness, beauty and goodness and serves as a basis for the three particular theories of education, art, and ethics. In conclusion, to make possible a future society based on a culture of Heart (realizing the values of trueness, beauty, and goodness centering on Heart), a unified culture with a new view of values is a real necessity. 21 According to Md. Nasir (2013) , the theory of value, or axiology, is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of value and valuation. Philosophers consider value as the worth of something, and the process of valuation as an estimate, appraisal, or measurement of its worth. In their works, worth seems to be an undefined primitive term. They consider that value is related to, but not synonymous with, ''good,'' ''desirable,'' or ''worthwhile,'' and that it can be positive or negative. # 22 Axiology means a theory of value relating to the use of gained knowledge , Axiology is one of philosophical branch, which refers to the value about good and bad, right or wrong, beautiful and ugly. Among the axiology branch is an ethic, which emphasized on reasonable and relevant matters that one should do. Ethic is also focusing on quality of moral and human attitude covering individual, society and life. As soon as Malaysia gained its independence on 31August 1957, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia has declared Islam as the official religion in Malaysia. However, according to Ahmadrashidi Hassan (2012) First, moral conduct, which means the act of moral that, produces ethic. Second is aesthetic expression, whichrefers to beautifulness of expression. Third or final category is socio-political life that produces philosophy in socio-politics. # 25 Islamic art is a part of Islamic culture. The differences between Islamic and non-Islamic arts are its intention, aim and ethical value. The main objection in Islamic art is for the sake of Allah (swt). Unfortunately, Aminah Syed Muhammed (1995) most of the art exhibition, which themed based on Islamic Art, only began in 1980s and 1990s. # 26 The multi-racial and multi-cultural elements in Malaysia have influenced the artist in producing their artworks. SulaimanEsa's identified some of the basic value taken from the West such as egoistic has been practice by fine art artist that really contradict with the Islamic value. With the egoistics value, the artist is creating works to fulfill himself. In addition, that the fine art artist is a revered being superior to others, allowto be very selfish, even thoroughly antisocial in his behavior and actions, simply because he is an artist. # 27 Islam begin as soon as a Muslim artist recites his creedLa ilahailla Allah (No God Except Allah), and accept the meaning of the Oneness of God (tawhid) that Allah is the "One" (wahid). Tawhid is a comprehensive concept which not only as a statement by a Muslim about God, but also his/her view on the universe and his/her role in life either as individual or a member of society. Once one recited the creed or Syahadah, one will automatically be responsible to manifest the creed he/she has recited with the fulfillment of knowledge about the vital of life in this world. painting, Waiting for Godot (1977) has created a controversy because of his insensitivityact by putting Al-Quranic verse together with image of naked women. The painting represented himself, which is not only shows the crisis of art identity in himself but also depicted the crisis of culture in the country in the year of 1970s especially among the Malay people who are Muslims towards the Western influence. # SayyidQutb (1979) 29 Meanwhile, Ismail R. Faruqi (1980) in his view mentioned, the art activity comprehensively is aboutdecorating humanly about the concept and the reaction of the man himself/herself. It also concerns on the concept of existence and life which flourishing in the man's soul. 30 V. # Conclusion in his opinion stated that unlike other cultures which associates the beautifulness as a luxurious, intrinsic value to gain or satisfy one's self-interest, in contrast Islamic art associates the beautifulness as a value, which entirely depends on the truth of Islam itself. The value is not only base on the belief solely. The value also has other dimension, which is emotion. The value shows the influential commitmenton emotion, which is how one is demonstrating his /her feeling whether love, or hate towards something. Islam is a religion that rules the relations of man and God, between man and universe based on Al Quran and As Sunnah. Islam supports every artwork that in line with its teaching, but ban, which goes against. Those artworks is the statement of worldview of life specifically which relevant and coherent with the Islamic values and perspective. Prophet Muhammad (saw) has conveyed Muslim clearly. One of them is Aqidah or faith. Aqidah has become the main principle in Islamic development. Art is use as a tool to spread religion and to strengthen assistances and goodness among the society (ummah). Through artistic talents, Muslim artists can use various techniques and artworks as the thorough force to remember and praise the greatness of Allah S.W.T. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the artists to translate Islamic ideas into artistic language. According to Islamic perspective, artistic creativity is the urge or force given by Allah S.W.T., which highlights the importance of Allah S.W.T. In addition, art also enhances union or unity. Islamic art does not revolve around individual human but it contains social orientation based on the needs of fellow human beings. # VI. parties will be remembered always. Finally, we hope that we will gain blessings from God Almighty and continue to obtain happiness in this world and hereafter, Insha'Allah. ![The visual art in Malaysia or more accurately in the Malay Peninsula Malaysia began in 1930's with the invention of painting by Yong MunSeng, Abdullah Ariff and others. Malaysian artists in the earlier years are free from any restriction but in actual theyare exposed towards any Western tradition, which came from works 11 Osman Bakar. 1995. "Kesenian Islam" in Kesenian Islam -SuatuPerspektifMalaysis,Exhibition catalog .Kuala Lumpur; BalaiSeniLukis Negara.](image-2.png "13") 7Ismail R. al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya 'al-Faruqi(1985) 8Robert Irwin (1982) defined 104 Tolstoy. 1896. Translated by Aylmer Maude. 1900. What Is Art?.Hackett Pub Co Inc; Reprint of original Am. Edtn.edition.6 DzulHaimi Md. Zain. 2001. Seni Islam (Ed.4). Kuala Lumpur: HansPress Sdn. Bhd.9 5 7 MuliyadiMahmod. 2001. Modern Art Malaysia. Malaysia. Utusan publication & Distributors SdnBhd 8 Ismail R., Lois lamya'al-Faruqi. 1985. The Cultural Atlas of Islami.New York: Macmillan Publishing. 9 Robert Irwin. 1982. Islamic Art.London: Laurence King Publishing. 10 DzulHaimi Md. Zain. 2001. Seni Islam (Ed.4). Kuala Lumpur: Hans Press Sdn. Bhd. 2825 Ahmadrashidi Hassan. 2012. Contemporary Islamic Painting inMalaysia 1980 to 2000. UiTM: UiTM Press.26 Yusuf Al-Qardhawi. Translated by: Kamal El-Helbawy, M. Moinuddin Siddiqul and Syed Shukry.1995. The Lawful and The Prohibited in Islam (Al-Halal wal Haram fil Islam). Islamic Book Trust: Kuala Lumpur.pg 109 Robert Allent& Andrew Delahunty. 2002.Oxford Students Dictionary (Eds). pg 52. 3 Ocvirk, Otto G., Stinson, Robert E., Wingg, Philip R., Bone, Robert O., Cayton, David L.. 1998. Art Fundamental. p. 9-16. ## Acknowledgment In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful, All the praises and thanks be to Allah. Peace and blessings to the beloved prophet Muhammad PBUH as well as his family, friends, and the rest of followers. We would like to record our accreditation to all parties involved, either directly or indirectly during the information gathering process. All the information and assistance that have been obtained from all involved 29 SayyidQutb.1979. PetunjukSepanjangJalan.Kuala Lumpur: El/Ikhwan Enterprise.pg 129.