Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy
Islamic calligraphy is based on the Arabic script. The Arabic alphabet includes 28 letters and is written from right to left. The letters change form when used in the start, middle, end or in an isolation state making Arabic a natural cursive language. The Arabic language and subsequently the art of Islamic calligraphy is held in great esteem by Muslims because Arabic was the language in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Over the centuries many different scripts emerged. These scripts evolved over time and were influenced by different artistic styles from various regions.
Kufic is the first script associated with the Quran. It was developed originally for writing on stone - this script is an angular style recognized by its short vertical and elongated horizontal lines. It was used almost to the end of the 13th century – today it mainly for titles or architectural inscriptions.
The Maghribi script was developed in the 10th century. Maghribi means ‘western’ in Arabic and refers to the western Islamic world of North Africa and Spain where this script was developed. The distinctive characteristics of this script are its descending stroke has large bowls with sweeping loops. You can still see the script used in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia in particular.
During the Abbasid dynasty, Thuluth and Naskh scripts were developed. The Thuluth script is marked by its clear structure and readability which made it suitable for a number of purposes even today. Vertical strokes have a leftward slant and the ends of most descending letters come up in a hook. It is suitable for both titles and long tests. Thuluth is used in the Holy Quran and in architectural Islamic decoration in many regions of the Islamic Empire. Thuluth is often considered the most powerful and versatile scripts and known as the mother of all scripts.
During the same period (10th century) the Naskh script was developed. Naskh which means ‘copy’ was used to copy book especially the Holy Quran - it replaced Kufic as the script of choice for the Quran. It continues to be in use today in the design of printed books due to its modern look and cursive letters.
After the Abbasid dynasty the Safavid dynasty was established in Persia and made significant contributions to Islamic art and calligraphy. It developed the existing Ta’liq scrip and a more developed version called Nasta’liq.
In the Ta’liq script the letters don’t connect on the left and descending strokes appear as loops. The script is often written with large gaps between the lines help identify letters and words. Nasta’liq was originally developed to write the Persian language and has features both of naskh and ta’liq scripts.
During the Ottoman Empire (1444-1923) many scripts developed such as Diwani and Riq’a. Diwani was used in the courts to write official documents. It is a difficult script to read which made it ideal for court documents because it insured confidentiality and protected it from forgery. Wide spaces appear between lines and lines ascend upward as they move from right to left. When written in large form the empty spaces are filled small dots. Letters that do not normally connect on the left and often connected in this script. The Riq’a script is a simplified form of Diwani using short strokes and letters being more straight than rounded.
Thus Arabic calligraphy has developed over 14 centuries in various regions of the world. Traditional scripts are still used today to venerate the word of Allah.
Now that you know a little bit about the nature of the scripts browse our collection to find out which script captures your heart. Salam Arts Islamic wall decals offer a range of stunning Quranic verses in classical scripts using a modern medium of adhesive vinyl. Will you go for a monumental script like Kufic or will you be moved by the flow and fluidity of the Nasta’liq script. No wonder Arabic calligraphy is known as the ‘speaking art’ – each one our decals represent Art for your Soul!
LEFT: Customer Photo displaying our Bismillah Islamic Wall Decal in Thuluth
RIGHT:Our exclusive Fabi-ayyi ala-i rabbikuma tukaththiban Islamic Wall Decal in Diwani
Modern Art
Calligraphy is still widely practiced and appreciated for its beauty, and the dedication, patience and concentration required of the master calligrapher. There has also been an evident movement by contemporary artists, introducing styles that are more abstract. These styles encompass the rich heritage of calligraphy and infuse it with modern elements.
Both in the East and West, we see a variety of artists using calligraphy for their work – painters, decorators, graphic designers, graffiti and tattoo artists and fashion designers. Styles and the use of different materials will continue to develop – perhaps because the fluid lines and elegance of the Arabic letter have been central to the history of expression of faith.
Salam Arts offer design services to individuals and corporates for bespoke artworks. As an online design house we are able to deliver custom designs by our Master Arabic Calligrapher. You may want a custom design of a verse or quote, or want to commission us to design a special piece of Arabic Calligraphy for a wedding, anniversary or house warming gift. We do custom designs for Islamic wedding invitations, Islamic gifts, Arabic tattoos as well as Arabic Calligraphy for logos and Arabic paintings to refect your brand.
Salam Arts Islamic gallery offer a range of contemporary artwork styles. From abstract to traditional Islamic/Arabic art- we focus on stylish, high quality art, which can make a real impact within the corporate environment. We have been commissioned by our corporate clients, to produce exclusive artworks for galleries, abaya and couture designers and luxury wedding card designers. Please contact us to discuss your ideas and licensing needs.
LEFT: An example of our Arabic Wedding Calligraphy
RIGHT:A Family Signature created by our Master Arabic Calligrapher as part of our Design Services
Islamic Calligraphy is the most celebrated form of artistic expression in the Islamic world. The Arabic script was continuously refined and creatively embellished to become the most recognizable and universal symbol of Islam. Islamic calligraphy honors the majesty of Allah and His Message.
It’s no surprise that Muslims even today want to express their beliefs as gentle reminders around their living space. It is in this spirit that Salam Arts exists - to create Art for your Soul!
For the modern day Muslim, trying to purchase an item of Islamic Art can be quite overwhelming. A quick online search of Islamic art results in pages of websites directing you to the history of Islamic Arts as well as suppliers of Islamic Art and Calligraphy wall art. These range from suppliers of mass produced prints/ Islamic frames and re-sellers on online shopping channels, to social media pages of self-taught, untrained, homemade Islmic art for sale.
To make life easier for the Muslim consumer looking to decorate their homes with Islamic wall decor , Salam Arts is an online platform specializing in authentic and original Islamic Calligraphy and Art. Salam Arts make it easy to buy or commission bespoke art by trained calligraphers and artists.
We understand that Islamic Art is an expression of the soul, so our artworks represent different tastes and styles, all delivered with the highest expertise and quality. Salam Arts is a unique platform for all your Islamic Arabic calligraphy needs.
Our wall decals are far from being just stickers. They represent beautiful compositions of Islamic calligraphy in a modern decal format. Their charm is truly unique as they stick directly on the wall giving the impression that the artwork was designed and painted for that space. Our Islamic wall stickers are made from an ultra-thin adhesive vinyl material that is directly applied onto the wall. In essence the wall becomes the canvas. The result is bold, beautiful pure calligraphy on your wall capturing the attention of anyone entering the space, inspiring one to reflect on the majesty of Allah and His Word.
Our Islamic wall decals do take one back to the great Islamic architectures where calligraphy was part of the beauty of the structure.
LEFT: Old Mosque (Eski Camii) in Edirne, TurkeyOld Mosque (Eski Camii) in Edirne, Turkey
RIGHT: Our exclusive Bismillah Islamic Wall Decal
The beauty of our Islamic wall art is that you can find a piece to fit any space, our Bismillah decal designed for vertical walls has been among our bestselling artworks. It complements the décor of any home.
ABOVE: Cistomer photos of our bestselling Bismillah Islamic wall decal
Our Islamic wall décor include a choice of Quranic ayahs in both classical and contemporary scripts. You may love the precise proportions and spacing of the Thuluth script and choose our Hasbun Allahu wa Ni'mal Wakeel in Thuluth or instead love the free hand Arabic calligraphy in our other artwork of the same saying:
LEFT Our popular Hasbun Allahu wa Ni'mal Wakeel in Thuluth
RIGHT: Our exclusive Hasbun Allahu wa Ni'mal Wakeel in Diwani and Nasta’liq
Some clients have opted to include the translation of the Islamic calligraphy in their wall art to represent profound quotes to reflect upon.
ABOVE: Customer photos of our Fabi-ayyi ala-i rabbikuma tukaththiban (Thuluth) Islamic Wall Decal with optional English Translation.
Browse through our collection of Islamic Wall Decals – find out which piece inspires you to reflect on the Majesty of Allah and His Word. You may also find you are attracted to a particular script that cultivates inner tranquility – we present to you… Art for Your Soul.
Islamic Canvas Art
Salam Arts understands that art is a source of expression for both the artist and collector. With this belief in mind we have worked meticulously with proven artists to create our Islamic Calligraphy paintings on canvas. Each of our Islamic artworks is created with passion and intelligence to deliver visually stimulating and spiritually uplifting Islamic home decor. Each piece features a Calligraphic original of an Islamic dhikr written by our Master calligrapher. The Arabic calligraphy writing is more fluid and backgrounds have been created to compliment and feature the Word of Allah written is the beautiful art of Islamic Calligraphy.
All our Islamic art canvas pieces are limited edition. This means the artwork is exclusively the property and creation of Salam Arts and only a limited number will be printed. Once a limited edition sales runs out, the sale remains closed forever to ensure the value of the print to the art collector.
Our original Islamic art coupled with our high production standards ensures the finest collection of Islamic Calligraphy canvas prints available. We only use the finest materials and the latest printing technology available. Each piece is individual prepared by hand and sent with a certificate of authenticity. Our artworks are printed on museum quality canvas which is gallery wrapped onto a solid wooden frame ready for display. Our prints are imaged using a 12 color archival pigment ink system delivering superb color graduation and the widest color gamut in its class.
Our flair for Islamic calligraphy/ Arabic art and high standards distinguish our products from others in the Islamic art decor field.
Canvas prints are used in interior design because your interior is an expression of your self. Browsing through interior design magazines you will note all sophisticated and well decorated spaces feature art on the walls. Well placed art really does have the power to transform a space. 
We have created pieces that contrast and compliment living spaces so that the piece works with the room and doesn't get lost. We suggest you hang your Islamic canvas art at eye level - galleries display their art at eye level - about 58 inches high. This subtle detail can give homes a designer look. We also suggest that you invest on quality framing for your canvas art – it will elevate the art and give it a gallery look.
Browse through our Islamic canvas collection and see which painting your gravitate towards...
LEFT: The Origin – Our exclusive artwork featuring calligraphic original of The Basmala.
References and Further Reading
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_calligraphy
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-wolfe/calligraphy-islamic-art-of-arts_b_1647263.html
- http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/calligraphy-in-islamic-art/
Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy by Salam Arts is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.salamarts.com/.