An often overlooked aspect of Islam is its appreciation and celebration of art, specifically through calligraphy. Islamic art is void of physical illustrations of animals, prophets, people, or God, which means Islamic artists utilize calligraphy as a creative art form that both abides by Islamic values while also portraying the beauty of the religion. But most importantly, Islamic calligraphy is used as an aesthetically appealing way to inscribe words, texts, and stories from the Qur’an into Islamic architecture, jewelry, pottery, and more.
The history of Islamic calligraphy dates back as far as the mind can imagine, and has undergone various transformations as it was adopted by and adapted to different empires, Caliphates, and governments throughout history. For example, Ibn Muqla (886-940 AD), a recognized calligrapher from Baghdad, was one of the first to establish and refine Islamic calligraphy as we know it today. Developing various rules and techniques to follow, he developed six different styles of calligraphy; naskhi, muhaqqaq, rayhani, thuluth, riqa’, and tawqi’—most of which are still used regularly in modern times.
Islamic calligraphy holds immense cultural significance throughout Islamic institutions and creations; for instance, the Jama Masjid, located in Delhi, India, features large and beautiful inscriptions upon their stone walls and ceilings. This mosque is one of countless mosques across the world that features calligraphy as both a means of spreading Islamic knowledge through excerpts from the Qur’an, while also enhancing the beauty of Islamic architecture with its engravings.
It is imperative to teach Islamic calligraphy to Muslim youth in order to preserve the unique art form and prevent it from being forgotten. In an age where technology dominates hand-writing, hand-written calligraphy must be preserved instead of swallowed by automation. Writing calligraphy by hand instills patience and perseverance in Muslims, emphasizing the beauty of sabr and how valuable time and careful consideration can lead to the creation of something beautiful and meaningful.
Moreover, Islamic calligraphy exists today because its beauty and teachings were passed down from teacher to student for hundreds of years. Continuing these practices is a duty of Muslims to ensure calligraphy survives for centuries to come. In school and/or university Muslim Student Associations, or in Muslim spaces throughout workplaces and communities, consider inviting Islamic calligraphers to host workshops for anybody curious to learn the art, encouraging both Muslims and non-Muslims to practice and revive Arabic calligraphy.
Ultimately, it is up to us to ensure Islamic calligraphy prospers by appreciating its beauty, educating ourselves about its history and cultural significance, and teaching ourselves and other Muslims how to write in Islamic calligraphy. Its historical roots, spiritual significance, and aesthetic beauty make it an integral part of Islamic heritage; whether engraved in the walls of a mosque or carefully inscribed upon the pages of a manuscript, Islamic calligraphy invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of words written in the name of the Allah SWT.
