Islamic art is the art of a culture based on the Islamic religion.  The Prophet Muhammed first preached the religion in the early AD 600's.  At this time Arab Muslims had begun a series of conquests over other countries that had their own traditions and united them under the faith of Islam.  These countries included parts of  North Africa, the Middle east, Spain, and India.  Due to the geographical position the climate of  most Islamic countries is warm and bright,  and through their conquests the Islamic world became quite rich.  All these countries had their own styles of art including the influences of former empires such as Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Islam is a strict religion.  Its holy book is called the Quran.  The teachings of the Quran are carefully observed by the people, especially in public.  Muslims believe that  the one giver and maker of life is Allah (God).  The strictest followers believe that to attempt to paint something "life like", particularly of people and living creatures should not be permitted.  Only Allah can create the living,  therefore to make even an image is stating that you are as powerful as Allah.  According to tradition, Muhammed himself forbade the representation of people and animals.