Download Islamic Calligraphy as Prayer

Islamic Calligraphy as Prayer
Juliette Malaniak
Ancient World History
Prof. Kimberly Dyer
19 April 2015
Islamic prayer is more than just recitation. Calligraphy is an ancient art that has had a
considerable effect on the Islamic people for thousands of years. It not only pleases the eye but
strengthens the spirit as well.
Calligraphy can generally be described as a “form of artwork composed solely of letters of
an alphabet” (Curtis). However, in Islam, it is more than just a collection of words. The Qur’an is
considered to be the “true soul and source of Arabic calligraphy” (Mansour, Allen). Other forms
of this can be found on traditional materials such as parchment or canvas or more integral objects
like statues, rugs, and mosques (Curtis). The passage of time has culminated in many unique
styles; the most commonly used are farsi, naskh, kufi, deewani, req’ aa, thuluth.
Aesthetic is very important and can convey deep meaning on its own. The shape of the
letters can be manipulated to enhance the message of the work. For example, the letter Nun has
many different interpretations, including an “inkpot, a sailing ship, and an open mouth” (Osborn).
There is great beauty and artistic significance in the way a verse can become more profound with
graphic complements.
(Poetry and Prayer)
The spiritual value of calligraphy is rich as well. It is said to be so important because it is
“related in the most intimate manner to both the form and content of Islamic revelation” (Nasr).
In Islam, writing is very important and is mentioned several times in the Qur’an. Calligraphy can
intensify a Muslim’s relationship with Allah just as with other forms of worship would; bonds
can also be formed when non-Muslims convert, some of which are intrigued by the signature
script of Islam.
Calligraphy is one of the most important art forms of Islam. It combines aesthetic with
spiritual value to produce one of the most popular forms of prayer.
Works Cited
Curtis, Edward E. Encyclopedia of Muslim-American History. New York: Facts on File, 2010. 93.
Print.
An encyclopedia article that had a brief description of calligraphy in relation to the Islamic
religion.
Mansour, Nassar, and Allen, Mark. Sacred Script: Muhaqqaq in Islamic Calligraphy. 2011. 17.
Print.
This is an entire book dedicated to a specific script but has more general information as well.
Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. Islamic Art and Spirituality. Albany: State U of New York, 1987. 4. Print.
A section of this focuses solely on the spiritual aspect of calligraphy.
Osborn, J. R. The Type of Calligraphy: Writing, Print, and Technologies of the Arabic Alphabet.
La Jolla: U of California, San Diego, 2008. 118. Print.
This is a dissertation on Arabic calligraphy; it featured a useful figure to help me explain the
different interpretations of letters.
"Poetry and Prayer." Islamic Manuscripts from the Walters Art Museum. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.
<http://poetryprayer.thewalters.org/w552/>.
This source had an interactive selection of valuable ancient texts to browse.