Islamic Calligraphy -The Art of Beautiful Writing!

Islamic Calligraphy –

The Art of Beautiful Writing...

Islamic Art is known throughout the world for its beautiful arabesque, non figurative geometric design and pattern and its exquisite flowing calligraphy the word of God [Allaah Almighty]. 

Calligraphy has certainly become the most honored form of Islamic art because it provides a bond between the languages of billions of Muslims around the world with the religion of Islam.

Different styles of calligraphy have been used for centuries and are still being used today. Writing is a powerful tool, the very essence of human history. Writing bridged the gap between the ephemeral and the eternal. In eastern cultures letters were shrouded with mysticism. 

Take the Egyptians and their hieroglyphs, the Sumerians and their script embedded in clay, the Chinese and their brushstrokes and the Arabic development of point to line, of light to movement. All believed the words were gateways to something greater.
With Arabic calligraphy the three elements of point, line and circle, the geometric structural principles that govern their inter-relationships unified all Arabic art.

 Calligraphy or in Arabic “Khattati” is not just elaborate fancy, lettering rather it is the most highly regarded noble and most fundamental element of Islamic Art, it is an expression of Spirituality and Holiness. Our Holy Prophet, Muhammad, [Peace Be Upon Him] considered knowledge as a prey, which should be stringed by writing; otherwise, it will soon be erase from memory. 
Also, one of my favorite quotes regarding Islamic Calligraphy explains it all…

Calligraphy is the tongue of the hand, the delight of the conscience, the ambassador of the mind, the inheritor of the thought, the weapon of knowledge, the companion of absent friend, the converser with them over long distances, the depository of secrets, and register of events.

Quote by

 Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad Ash-Shaybani in other words it is simply a visual tool to regain consciousness of the Divine.

From the simplest writing of the early Qur'an, when Islam and Muslims traveled in every direction to different lands in time and space, and developed many different Arabic scripts, the Kufic (Geometrical, Angular), the Naskhi (rounded), Andalusi, Maghribi, Nastaliq, Diwani and even Sinai (in China), all expressing the beauty of the words of Allaah Almighty in their own way. 

 

It can be seen in mosaic ed tiles, paintings, sculpture, on fabric and in the architectural elegance of some of the most renowned buildings such as the Taj Mahal in India and the Al- Hambra in Spain. Over time, Arabic civilization brought about the easy movement of artisans and led to the interchange of artistic ideas and techniques. Arabic patrons everywhere appreciated exuberant and colorful decoration. The extravagant use of color, particularly tiles, is one of the hallmarks of Arabic architecture.

 

Calligraphy began in 7th Century and was always seen as a noble art, much revered and desired. Arabic calligraphers integrate inner experiences with their experiences of external reality. By imbuing strokes with life and feeling, an equilibrium of energy flows from all composing elements. 

A calligrapher's integration of inner and external realities results in a very personalized style and is accompanied by concentrated and unremitting scholarly study. The development of a calligraphy style is as unique as the calligrapher's personality, and its achievement is considered as the representation.