We always believe Islam is rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy to all mankind). We choose colorful art and cheerful colors as a reflection on how Islam will brighten our life with all its goodness. Art and creativity have more appeal to the youngsters. And hence, we hope that our society, be it Muslim or non-Muslim, will view Islam as a more pleasant and welcoming deen.

[box_dark]2. How did Brotherhood Arts come about? [/box_dark]

The company was founded by a husband-and-wife partnership. The initial idea was to do dakwah (spreading Islamic messages) and earn good income at the same time. Our focus was to create catchy designs yet with Islamic messages printed on t-shirts, so people who see it will get the messages.

[box_dark]3. It seems that our current society is extremely media-focused and the media greatly affects people’s beliefs and attitudes towards a topic. How do you feel your products affect people’s views on Islam?[/box_dark]

Our earliest design was on Free Palestine message. We did it for the love of Muslim’s first qiblah and to remind other Muslims to show their solidarity towards the Palestinian struggle. The products with this design helped many people to understand that Islam does not limit your love to your nation, but also about caring for Muslims in other places as well.

As for our Muslimah t-shirt, we feel that we helped the Muslim women to have better understanding on the right aurat concept which can be colourful and trendy. We do this by explaining to them the reason for the tshirt length.

Our slogan/messages printed on the products were derived from Al-Quran and Hadith. At least, we proudly introduce the people to the beautiful teachings in the Quran and Hadith.

[box_dark]4. With regards to your kid’s tees and the abundance of color and kid-friendly graphic designs, what were the main Islamic values and messages you wanted to aim at kids?[/box_dark]

To inculcate the tauhidic and akhlaq values

[box_dark]5. When it comes to your products, one could assume that your company is passionate about Islam as well as art and creativity. How does your art and creative messages merge with your own beliefs, values and morals?[/box_dark]

Art and creative messages are merely means to do dakwah. They are not the ultimate way. We contribute to Islam in the ways that we are good at. In order to ensure our intention along the way (our business mission), we always remind each other that conveying good and inspirational messages will be our top priority. Our reference is always Al-Quran and Hadeeth.

[box_dark]6. Creativity and expression through artwork are powerful tools to display the message of an artist. What are your thoughts on art and how it can be used to represent and reflect Islamic principles?[/box_dark]

Art is limitless, BUT, the artist must express it within the syariah boundary. Portraying woman nudity is viewed as an art but not acceptable for Muslims.

In today’s world, in the ICT era, we believe that a good message does not necessarily be texty and in long sermon. An image can be a great impact and will be remembered easily. And another fact that contribute to this is: 65% of the population are visual learners.

Lengthy Islamic principles are elaborated in Al-Quran and Hadeeth. We need to simplify this and reach out Muslims who do not even refer to Al-Quran and Hadeeth as guidelines in their life. Thus, with the magic touch of a creative artist, we are able to attract these people’s attention to the fact that Islam is beautiful. Islam is mercy to mankind.

[box_dark]7. Aside from the art products that we see, we understand also that Brotherhood Arts is involved in some kind of video-making? What is that about? Can you tell us more about what you guys do?[/box_dark]

Our main target is the youngsters. With the development of the Youtube era as an alternative media channel, we view videos as a medium to express the right message. Our first project is with Persatuan Perubatan Islam Malaysia (MAlaysian Islamic Medical Society) on the production of Reproductive Health Education module for girl teens. So we use video as visual aids to help the facilitator explain Islamic values to the participants.

In 2010, we expanded our service to Creative Media Solution. We offer clients to produce their own merchandise with customised logo/branding. It is a one-stop-center from design to production of the clients end-products.

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