Islam specifically prohibits the exhibition of nudity, but many women Muslim artists are painting naked models as pinups.

The artists that paint the Islam erotica are unfazed by the prohibition. The Koran doesn’t mention nude art, but Islamic leaders are agreed it is against their teachings.

“This leads to moral consequences that are against Islam,” says Imam Shamsi Ali, the leader of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York. “There is no justification to say it is allowed in the name of art. Islam sees the harms of such exposure outweighing its benefits,” he says. “An artist can have an important message in his work without drawing nudes.”

Haran Tabbara, is one of the artists who are scoffing at the religious teachings. She says she balances God with her passion for painting. “There are so many rules, social and political, that it would be debilitating for any artist,” she says, admitting openly to have worked with naked models.

Muslim students take classes in art school that require them to draw naked models. Shiite religious scholar Muhsin Alidina advises against these courses since, under Islam, women can only show their face, wrists, hands and feet, while men need to keep the area between their waists and knees covered. “The idea is to prevent base desires from being aroused,” he says.

Muslim artist who deal with Islam erotica are certain to raise the ire of most of the traditional Muslim leaders.