SPIRITUAL REMINDER
In Islam, calligraphy is crucial because it represents the word of God. The art of this beautiful handwriting has a long and rich history in Islamic culture. It played a significant role in conveying the beauty and power of the words of Allah and was used to decorate everything from religious texts to architecture and more. This makes Arabic calligraphy a highly respected and celebrated form of art in Islamic culture.
Due to the ban on images depicting people or animals in the Islamic faith, calligraphy emerges as the primary form of decorative expression. Islamic artistic traditions rely heavily on the utilization of geometric, floral, and calligraphy patterns. That’s because Muslim scholars said: the Prophet Muhammad warned from adding figurative art which is against Allah’s worship.
So, Muslims used calligraphy as a form of decoration by writing out religious texts in beautiful script. They preferred this form of decoration because of their deep respect for the written word, the power of calligraphy to transmit religious knowledge and ideas, and the prestige and beauty of this art form.
In the past, objects featuring spiritual calligraphy held deep emotional and physical significance for individuals, often invoking feelings of safety, protection, and spiritual connection. For example, an amulet inscribed with ayat Al-Kursi from the Quran not only served as a decorative piece but also provided a sense of security and spiritual reassurance.
Historical accounts depict the widespread use of such amulets in the past across various Islamic cultures and reflect the deep-rooted belief in the protective properties of calligraphic inscriptions.
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These artifacts played a central role in shaping the spiritual landscape of the Islamic world. As guardians of faith and symbols of divine protection, they symbolized the enduring bond between believers and their Creator.
While the historical objects held deep emotional and spiritual significance in a colorful form, contemporary pieces take on a different appearance. Today, we see a variety of items such as necklaces, rings, and pins featuring Quranic verses or spiritual words.
While the aesthetic may have evolved, the underlying purpose remains the same for many individuals: They are drawn to the protective and sentimental qualities imbued within these objects.
Additionally, wearing or owning such items serves as a means of feeling connected to one's true identity and faith. In Islam, we believe and acknowledge that God knows all things past and future. However, as humans, we still feel the urge to hold onto tangible reminders of our faith despite this understanding.
THESIS STATEMENT
My project delves into the versatile significance of Islamic inscriptions, considering both their spiritual and functional roles. By examining how Quranic verses displayed on objects serve as a means to remember Allah, This exploration will delve into the human need for reassurance and attachment to identity, revealing how these factors influence our interactions with calligraphic objects as Muslims. I aim to keep in mind the connection of intention and function to permissibility. Inspired by the concept of God’s spiritual presence in everyday life and the idea of constant reminders of our purpose, my design research will culminate in a series of poetic objects that evoke a sense of connection to Allah and serve as daily reminders of our spiritual journey.