ISLAMIC ART

Language and Symbolism in Islamic Art

[Name of the Institute]

Language and Symbolism in Islamic Art

Introduction

Symbols and language over the period of time have been used to create an understanding among the larger segment of the society. Language of symbolism has also been the source of transferring information from one generation to the other, from one place to the other and from one section of the society to the other. However over the period of time symbols were incorporated as a tool to portray religious or secular thoughts. The art of symbolism has been stretched into various limits, which are of, a different nature and category altogether. In this paper I will be discussing the Islamic language of symbolism and its implications in demonstrating religious and sacred values.

Symbolism in Islam

Azaan is a call to the prayer recited by the muezzin of the mosque; the call is given to the Muslims five times a day. Azaan outline's the shahda, which in translation means the acceptance that there is no god except Allah and Muhammad (P.BU.H) is the last messenger of Allah. Star and the crescent are the most popularly known symbol associated to Islam although many researchers believe that star and crescent has nothing to do with Islam rather it was adapted by the Ottoman Empire. Since then it has been associated with Islam in one way or the other. Kaaba is the most holy site in Islam, muslins all around the world offer prayer facing Kaaba irrespective of their geographical location. Hajj is counted as one the five pillars of Islam, where Muslims are required walk around Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. The use of writing as an art is one of the most distinctive elements of Islamic art. Arabic is the language of the Koranic revelation in Islam (Levy, 2006, pp. 17-21). This language is spreading rapidly throughout the Islamic world during the Muslim conquest. The writing does the same, since very early, the Koran is copied, and the writing becomes a major means of dissemination of the divine message. If the language is a liturgical tool, communication and transmission of knowledge, writing thus has the same time, three functions: religious, commercial and ornamental. The writing varies with the nature and destination of print and media.

Language of Symbolism

Folio from the Koran behind the library of the Great Mosque of Kairouan (in Tunisia), written in Kufi gold on vellum dyed ...