Arabic calligraphy, also known as Islamic calligraphy, is a type of writing that has evolved into an important traditional art form among Muslims. Calligraphers use Arabic script to create intricate designs. Arabic calligraphy frequently has a religious or devotional theme, and prayers or passages from the Qur’an, Islam’s sacred text, are frequently included. The shahada, or Muslim declaration of faith, is a popular topic.
Because of the traditional prohibition against representative art in religious contexts, calligraphy holds a special place among the arts in the Muslim world. Islam forbids the worship of images, and many Muslim cultures extend this prohibition to include all religious figurative art, not just images of Allah. As a result, in comparison to Western European cultures, non-figurative art forms such as calligraphy are highly valued in Islamic culture. Arabic calligraphy has a special status in Muslim cultures where Arabic is not the dominant language because it is the language of the Qur’an.
Throughout the long and varied history of Arabic calligraphy, a variety of styles emerged in various regions. The early Kufic style, for example, is very linear, with sharp angles and straight lines. The Nash or Naskh script, a later calligraphic style, is much more fluid.
The qalam, a type of pen made from reed with a shaped and notched tip, is the traditional instrument of Arabic calligraphers. This type of pen has a long history in Middle Eastern cultures. The primary instrument in other parts of the world is different. Brushes are the preferred method of painting in the Chinese Muslim community.
Arabic calligraphy inscriptions can be found in a wide range of settings. Calligraphic designs can be found in books, especially sacred texts, but they can also be found on pottery, coinage, and other items. Many mosques have Arabic calligraphy inscriptions as part of their decoration. To create a visually striking effect, these inscriptions are combined with geometric decoration. The passage from the Qur’an chosen for the inscription in some mosques is related to the part of the mosque it adorns.
The calligram is an unusual type of Arabic calligraphy. In a calligram, the calligrapher creates a picture out of the words of the inscription. The image is frequently related to the inscription’s text, resulting in a visual pun. Calligrams are a type of popular calligraphy that are rarely seen in mosques or other places of high status.