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Muslim Art

  • Writer: Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow
    Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow
  • Aug 25, 2020
  • 4 min read

The religion of Islam stresses the divinity of God, his “ad infinitum.” Ergo, the same concept is displayed through Muslim art, using geometric shapes, Arabic calligraphy, and crystalline forms. A significant factor that caused Muslim art to be what it is today is the discouraged use of figures due to the fear of idol worship. Muslim art flourished in books, architecture, and decoration, surrounding Muslims continuously as a constant reminder of their Creator. Eventually, this art form seeped into Europe and spread; now, it was present in living rooms and public reception halls.

For years, Muslim art was viewed by Western scholars through a lens based on Western ideals, allowing for the misinterpretation that Islam was strict and unaccepting of imperfection by the geometric shapes and symmetry. Despite this art form affiliation with Islam, the art itself is not portrayed as religion-specific. Whilst religions such as Christianity might choose paintings of Jesus to represent their faith, Muslim art is shown through shapes and calligraphy. It can be seen all over the world today, whether it be in hotels or mosques. Muslim art can be traced back to Greek influence, but the product is vastly different.

Byzantine art focused on humanism and naturalism, representing divinity. This art style was meant to convey Christian beliefs, rather than the typical aesthetic purposes that Greek art tended to have. The Byzantine inspiration art had on Muslim art started when Byzantine artists decorated the Dome of the Rock (a shrine) and the Great Umayyad Mosque of Damascus (705-714). The Dome of the Rock features mosaics of crowns and gems, symbolizing holiness, power, and sovereignty. Von Grunedaum argued that the absence of imagery in Muslim Art was due to the Islamic view of humanity: man is guided by God, unable to reach his position (unlike how in religions such as Christianity, followers aim to achieve divinity)- as well as the discouragement towards depicting humans or animal forms as some may begin worshipping them. The concept that God is eternal, everything, and above all, is densely woven into Islamic Art; any figures would insinuate that they are similar to God. Muslim artists expressed these Islamic ideologies through geometric, vegetal, calligraphic patterns- Islam being the only religion that did not implement figures into their art.

The Quran is considered to be the first work of art in Islam with its vast array of emotions, allowing the reader to feel the presence of God.


“When the verses of the Beneficent are recited unto them, they fall down prostrate in adoration and tears” (Quran 19:58)


Islamic artists looked towards the Quran for inspiration and implemented the concept of independence, focusing on the characteristics of God rather than his creation (all men being considered equal in aspects but their piety). This concept was displayed through ceramics, textile, leather, iron, wall decorations, and many more forms of art. According to Philipps (1915), Greek art emphasized proportion and plastic forms, Japanese art focused on vegetal characteristics relating to growth and beauty, but Muslim art compared geometrical designs and crystallization—highlighting abstract forms (the shapes grouped into floral, geometrical, and calligraphic). Muslim art did not wholly abstain from nature, as vegetal forms are presented through interwoven flowers and leaves.

In Muslim art, geometric patterns were believed to cause spiritual contemplation in opposition to living creatures which may have diverted focus towards the creature’s desires. Geometric art was prevalent due to the rise of science in the Muslim world. Each unit is meant to be individual, but working together to form the whole—this art style required practical geometry—hence its application in architecture. Leonardo da Vinci supposedly was interested in Arabesque art, attempting to work them out himself. The interlacing pattern found in Arabesque art signifies infinity and sheer emotion the art causes is meant to feel as though one is slowly being led towards God.

Calligraphy was vital to Muslim art due to the importance placed on the Quran, the Arabic language, and the protection against evil caused by certain words. Arabic calligraphy was written in two main scripts: Kufic, which is rectangular, and Naskhi which is older than Kufic and resembles modern Arabic, round and cursive.

Muslim art had also influenced European art through the means of three ways. The first route was the imitation and reproduction of Islamic art on European ceramic. Kufic writing from the Ibn Tulun Mosque was imitated in Gothic art in France and then the rest of Europe. The second-way Muslim art had influenced European art was by transposing of media. The geometric patterns of Arabesque and Muslim art were integrated into European salons and living rooms. The final way was not as quick as the other two; gradually, arabesque art had inspired European Rococo and Baroque styles through curvilinear decoration and interlacing lines. This can be seen in the Muslim Aljaferia Palace in north Spain. The word “Baroque” is believed to be derived from the Arabic word “burga,” which means “uneven surface,” causing the word “barrocco” in Portuguese (irregularly shaped pearl).

Muslim art is severely unique, shaped by the religious absence of figures. This art style lacks not only figures but also religious representation as its focus is on the symbols of God, allowing for easy adaptability by other cultures. May Allah (SWT) accept Muslim artists’ efforts to beautify His religion and help us to spread the beauty of Islam through art.


Sources

Saoud, R. (2004, July). Introduction to Muslim Art [Scholarly project]. In Holypearls.com.


 
 
 

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