The Artistic Brilliance of Islamic Calligraphy

By Mehar Deep Kaur -
September 27, 2024

A visually captivating and spiritually resonant art form, Islamic calligraphy holds profound importance in Islamic culture and history. Rooted in the Arabic script, it transcends mere writing to become an aesthetic expression of the divine; and focuses on the beauty of the written word, often drawn from the Qur’an. This art form serves as a bridge between the spiritual and the material, embodying the essence of Islamic faith and cultural identity.

Left to right: Al-Wajiz, or an abridged commentary on the Qur’an, 1478, Egypt. Museum no. MSL/1869/7219, folio 2a.; Manuscript leaf from a Qur’an, late 15th century, probably Mamluk, Egypt. Museum no. 38041800366031 | © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Historical Background

Islamic calligraphy traces its origins back to the early days of Islam in the 7th century. The spread of Islam brought with it the Arabic language, which soon became the primary medium of communication in the Islamic world. The development of Islamic calligraphy began in earnest as early Muslims sought to transcribe the Qur’an. This gave rise to a unique artistic tradition where the beauty of the script was seen as a reflection of the divine message.
During the early Islamic period, various scripts emerged, each with its distinct characteristics and influence. The role of the Qur’an was central to this development, as the need for precise and visually appealing copies of the holy text drove innovations in script styles and techniques. Calligraphy, therefore, became an expression of devotion and a way to preserve the sacred text.


Tray featuring a calligraphic script, 1330 – 60, possibly Syria or Egypt, brass. Museum no. 420-1854. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Cultural and Religious Significance

Calligraphy, as an art form, was seen as a way to honor the divine and to express religious devotion.
The spiritual importance lies in its ability to convey the beauty of God’s word through the elegance of the script. This art form is also a means of preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge, as it has been used for centuries to document religious texts, legal documents, and scholarly works.
It is a visual representation of the Islamic worldview, where the sacred and the secular are intertwined. Calligraphy is often used to adorn mosques, religious manuscripts, and everyday objects, creating a visual connection between the spiritual and the material world. The act of writing itself is considered a form of worship, and calligraphers are highly regarded for their skill and devotion.


Left to right: Helmet with Aventail, Turkish, in the style of Turkman armor, late 15th–16th century | Ceramic Vessel in the Shape of a Mosque Lamp 1525–40

Key Styles of Islamic Calligraphy

Islamic calligraphy is characterized by a variety of styles. Among the curved scripts are the famous “Six Pens,” which include rayhan, muhaqqaq, naskh, thuluth, ta’liq, and nasta’liq. These scripts, often combined, form the foundation of Islamic calligraphy and have been used in various contexts throughout history.
Kufic Script is one of the oldest and most prominent styles of Islamic calligraphy. Characterized by its angular, geometric form, Kufic script was widely used in early Qur’anic manuscripts and architectural inscriptions. Its bold, block-like letters made it ideal for decorating religious buildings and monuments. The Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia, for example, features beautiful Kufic inscriptions that highlight the script’s historical significance.


Kairouan, Tunisia © 2023 Matkasto Travel Media | Helsinki Finland

Diwani Script emerged during the Ottoman Empire and is known for its fluid, intricate lines and ornamental nature. This script was often used in official documents, royal decrees, and correspondences. The elegance and complexity of Diwani script reflect the grandeur of the Ottoman court and its sophisticated bureaucracy. Its decorative quality also made it popular for use in Islamic art and design.


The art of Arabic calligraphy developed from two major styles: Naskh and Kufic (Supplied) | Source: Arab News

Materials and Techniques

Islamic calligraphy involves the use of traditional tools and techniques that have been passed down through generations. Calligraphers typically use reed pens, known as qalam, which are cut and shaped to produce different types of strokes. The ink is usually made from natural materials, such as soot and gum, and is carefully prepared to achieve the desired consistency and color.
Calligraphers must master the art of balance, proportion, precision and rhythm to create compositions that are both aesthetically pleasing and faithful to the text. The curves and lines of the script carry symbolic meanings, with certain shapes and strokes representing divine attributes or spiritual concepts. The signature, or tughra, often found in calligraphic works, is another important indicator that tells us about the calligraphers and their locations and even connects manuscripts with each other.


Tughra (Insignia) of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66) ca. 1555–60

Calligraphy in Islamic Architecture

The use of calligraphy in mosques and religious buildings serves to embellish and sanctify the environment, creating a sense of spiritual reverence. Famous examples of architectural calligraphy include the inscriptions on the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the intricate carvings on the Taj Mahal in India.


The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra), Jerusalem, 691–92 (Umayyad), stone masonry, wooden roof, decorated with glazed ceramic tile, mosaics, and gilt aluminum and bronze dome, with multiple renovations, patron the Caliph Abd al-Malik (photo: Gary Todd, CC0 1.0)


Inscriptions on the Taj Mahal, Agra

Contemporary Islamic Calligraphy

In the modern era, Islamic calligraphy continues to evolve, with contemporary artists reinterpreting traditional styles in innovative ways. Digital technology has also influenced the art form, allowing for new techniques and mediums to be explored. Notable contemporary calligraphers, such as Ahmed Moustafa and Hassan Massoudy, have gained international recognition for their work, which blends classical calligraphy with modern artistic sensibilities.
The enduring legacy of Islamic calligraphy lies in its ability to transcend time and culture, remaining a vital and cherished aspect of Islamic art and culture. From its origins to its continued evolution in the modern world, it remains a powerful expression of faith, devotion, and artistic creativity.


“Untitled” (2016) by Hassan Massoudy | via Sundaram Tagore Gallery

References

https://themaydan.com/2018/01/ art-islamic-calligraphy-rituals-traditional-art/

https://www.metmuseum.org/ toah/hd/ cali/ho

https://www.christies.com/en/ stories/ collecting-guide-islamic-calligraphy

https://www.vam.ac.uk/ articles/ calligraphy-in-islamic-art

https://education.asianart.org/ resources/ the-history-of-islamic-calligraphy/

https://quranco.uk/blogs/ quran-blog-media/ exploring-the-beauty-of-quranic-calligraphy-a-visual-journey

https://www.artmajeur.com/ en/ magazine/ 5-art-history/ the-art-and-soul-of-islamic-calligraphy-exploring-the-quranic-texts

https://religionsfacts.com/ the-art-of-calligraphy-in-islam-a-divine-expression-of-beauty-and-devotion/