art by fari

As a muslim, the first declaration that you must make and wholeheartedly believe is “La-ilaha-illallah-muhammadur-rasulullah” meaning There is no God worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is his Messenger.

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is the most perfect example for Muslims to follow. His lifestyle and character align perfectly with the Holy Quran and Islam as we know it. He is often referred to as the ‘walking Quran’ due to his embodiment of the teachings and principles found within the sacred text. His actions, words, and even his silence serve as a guide for millions of Muslims around the world.

Islamic calligraphy paintings of “Allah” and “Muhammad” are vast and unique. However, I wanted a simple yet beautiful style that made the words easy to read. The beauty of Islamic calligraphy lies in its ability to convey deep spiritual meaning through the elegance of its script. I wanted no distractions so I chose to do a floral design in watercolor for the background.

The Significance of Calligraphy in Islam

Islamic Calligraphy holds a special place in Islamic art. Since the depiction of living beings is generally discouraged in Islam, artists turn to calligraphy as a primary means of expression. This art form is not just about beautiful writing; it’s a sacred art, intertwined with the reverence of the words being transcribed.

The words “Allah” and “Muhammad” are frequently represented in Islamic calligraphy Paintings, serving as powerful symbols of faith. The name “Allah” signifies the singular and all-encompassing nature of God in Islam, while “Muhammad” denotes the perfect example for us to live by.

My process for creating Islamic calligraphy art

Although I do not have any formal education in Islamic calligraphy, I have been an admirer and practicer for as long as I can remember. My process is a bit different from professional arabic calligraphers who are able to freehand words and phrases. I, on the other hand, prefer to first write with a pencil the phrase. This helps me make sure that the arabic calligraphy will fit on the page evenly. Then, I like to go back and draw out each stroke. I am a visual girlie, I am easily able to look and see where the curve of the letter needs to be, where it should be narrow, etc.

Once I am satisfied with the drawing of the letters and words, I go back and outline with a black ink pen. Finally, I use a brush pen to fill in the letters.

Personal Reflection

Ever since hanging these two pieces of Islamic Calligraphy art paintings in my home, they have become great reminders for me. Each time I pass by, I invoke blessings on the Holy Prophet(saw). Even if it is only for a minute, I make sure to remember my God, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful.