THE PURPOSE OF CALLIGRAPHY

IN ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY

SPIRITUALITY IN ART
(VCS408)

Prepared by
PUTERI ILIYANI BINTI MD NOOR IZZI
2023190453

Lecturer
DR. NURUL HUDA BINTI MOHD DIN

JUNE 2023

CAAD232
VISUAL CULTURE STUDIES
COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS
INTRODUCTION

Islamic Art
The birth of Islam had a significant relevance towards the history of Islamic art. Islamic art is
can be defined mainly as a creative spiritual expression or artistic response of the believers
about the One God, Allah and the religion. An alternative way to define Islamic art is through
its spirituality. Islamic spirituality is synonym to the concept of Islamic art. The concepts are
identified from the characteristics of the art, the purpose, the meaning and the message of the
art. Muslims believe in the existence of One God, Allah. They manifest their love towards
Allah by including Him in every aspect of life, including art making. Their purpose of art
making is to benefit other believers and encourage them to glorify Allah as the Most Powerful
Force. Islamic art contain meanings and messages, and it was discovered in the form of
calligraphy art.

Islamic Calligraphy
The Arabic letters and symbols, also known as Kufic, existed long before the birth of Islam.
Kufic was formed with the influence from Greek, Syria and Egypt scripts. However, since the
birth of Islam, Islamic calligraphy began to grow rapidly parallel to the number of believers
converting to the religion. This form of art, even art making in Islam is permissible. Calligraphy
identified as stylistic lettering form by lines carrying content of texts from the Quran and Arabic
poems. The Muslim Arabs include Kufic calligraphy as decorations in their homes, prayer hall,
mosques and daily household items. In this essay, I will discuss the purpose of calligraphy in
Islamic spirituality, and briefly about the concept of beauty in the Islamic world. This essay
was written based on scholars’ opinion, articles, books and data from the internet.
THE PURPOSE OF CALLIGRAPHY IN ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY

The existence of calligraphy rose since the revelation of the Quran. Islamic calligraphy is a
written text derived from the Quran presented in a form of stylistic lettering and literature in
manuscripts such as poems and Quranic verses. Calligraphy in Arabic is called ‘khat’ meaning
line, defined as a series of proportionate letters formed by lines. There are many types of khat
script in Islamic calligraphy, and the most common ones are called Thuluth, Kufi and Nasakh.
The art of khat is commonly handwritten, painted or carved on various surfaces. It is
categorized as a form of ornamentation. Kufic calligraphy design is based on the content of the
texts, combining both geometrical structure and rhythmic element. Calligraphy is the most
noble form of art in Islamic population as it benefits the life of believers.

Figure 1: Types of khat script

Source: The Bustan Khat, Singapore
 In Islamic scene, calligraphy is categorized as an externalized act of submission.
According to Ahmadrashidi Hassan (2013), any practice that brings benefit to a believer is
considered a religious duty. In Islam, even the thought of Allah is considered a deed. Believers
are encouraged to write, read, recite and memorize the sacred words of the Quran for they will
be rewarded on the Day of Judgement. The contents of calligraphy commonly consist of the
names of Allah, Quran verses, daily prayers, poems and blessing words to the Messenger of
Allah. This artistic expression strongly glorifies the Greatness of Allah and allow believers
to be in the state of remembrance of Allah. The basis of any Islamic art is based on a
monotheism belief, which in Islam is called ‘tawhid’ meaning there is no God, but Allah.
Calligraphers grasp on this belief by carrying the sense of humility to honour the Almighty.

Muslims believe that Allah is beautiful, and everything He creates is beautiful. Humans,
by nature according to Al-Ghazali (1109), adore precision and perfection. Humans are able to
appreciate beauty and aesthetics. Islamic teachings encourage believers to look at beautiful
things to preserve the purity of the mind and soul. In this case, Islamic calligraphy serves the
purpose of ornamentations to decorate the surroundings of a Muslim life. The beauty in
Islamic decorations represents peace and harmony, just how a believer should be in the state
of. The technicality in the craft involves geometrical almost mathematical arrangement, where
each letter is written with precise proportion. The calligraphy letters are commonly
accompanied by nature subjects and motifs such as geometry, cosmic and floral motifs. This
harmonious technique represents the result of a believer who practice Islamic teachings in their
life; balanced, guided and organized. Below are several examples of calligraphy art in Islamic
art.
 Figure 2: Kiswa, the cloth of Kaaba
Source: Dr Omar Ayoub

Figure 3: 14th century mosque lamp

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Figure 4: Dome interior of Sheikh Loft Allah Mosque

Source: Quintin Lake, Geometry & Silence
 Calligraphy in Islamic art correlates to the significance of the sacred language,
Arabic. Calligraphy art help preserve the language of Paradise through daily practice. Islam
holds a celestial value that encompasses the message of God through manuscripts and the
known-sacred language of the religion. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first recited the message
of Allah in Arabic language where he mimicked the sound of the word ‘iqra’ meaning ‘read’.
This prominent event marked the significance of reading (knowledge) in Islam. Every believer
requires to have knowledge of the language to be able to delve into the messages of Allah and
His commands. The contents of calligraphy evoked believers to seek knowledge of the Quran
whilst enjoying the aesthetics of the art. The Quran has become the main source of Islamic
knowledge and practice, moreover, Allah Himself stated in the Quran that it remains to be the
main guidance of the believers until the end of time.

In addition, Islamic calligraphy can be found handwritten in manuscripts be of use to

education. Teachings of the Prophet, called sunnah in Arabic were documented in the form of
hadith. Hadith was handwritten by calligraphers who are also known as educators and scholars.
The revelation of the Quran resulted in educators and philosophers who decoded and produced
handwritten transcriptions of the contents of the Quran. The Quran contains the messages of
Allah and infinite knowledge which become the guidance of the Muslim population.

The other purpose of Islamic calligraphy is it is used as an identity of the Islamic

world. The Islamic community frequently uses the crescent moon and the star as the symbol
of the religion; however, calligraphy remains prominent and powerful to represent the religion.
In the aspects of visual literacy, calligraphy ornamentations project the outlook of beauty and
harmony of the religion. The elements of shape, colours, and line offer soothing and calming
effects to humans. It could almost feel ethereal, yet very grounded. Calligraphy also serve to
represent power and unity. Islam and its community withhold a strong bond that uplift the spirit
of worship.
CONCLUSION

Calligraphy is categorized as the most noble form of art in the Islamic world as it serves best
to worship Allah, provide decoration, preserve the language of Arabic, to be use of education
and to represent the Islam religion. The benefits proved that calligraphy is not solely a scripture
of texts, but has always considered high art because it involves intricate planning and skillful
craftsmen to produce a harmonious artwork. Calligraphy is indeed a crucial representation of
the Islamic community. In order to preserve and produce this harmonious form of art, one must
obtain Islamic spirituality and include the essence of beauty and aesthetics of Islam.
REFERENCES

Ahmadrashidi Hassan, 2013. Islamic Art in The Malay World, UiTM Press, Shah Alam.
Burckhardt, Titus, 2009. Art of Islam: Language and Meaning, World Wisdom Inc., Indiana.
Brend, Barbara, 1991. Islamic Art, The British Medium Press., London.
Grabar, Oleg, 1973. The Formation of Islamic Art, Yale Universitiy., United States of America.
Irwin, Robert, 1997. Islamic Art, Calmann and King Ltd., London.
Ruggles, D. Fairchild., 2011. Islamic Art and Visual Culture, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., West
Sussex.
Ruzaika Omar Basree, 1995. Kesenian Islam – Satu Perspektif Malaysia, Katalog Pameran,
BSLN, Kuala Lumpur.