Aniconism, is the embodiment of medieval Islamic art. Traditional Islamic art consists of three different components: Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and calligraphy. These styles are masterfully, creatively, and alluringly integrated into complex arts, but there is a definite distinction between it and today’s art that mainly focuses on idolism and direct religious imagery. Understanding Islamic art helps one today understand why idolizing and depicting deities isn 't necessary to show devoutness in today’s world.
The limitation in Islamic art comes from a phenomenon known as aniconism which is the opposition of using images and or symbols of divine beings, prophets or other religious figures. Representation of figures is deemed idolatrous …show more content…
“While creating beauty in his product the artist or architect always thinks of Allah (God) as the Supreme Beauty (Jamal) and He is Present (Hadir) everywhere. Islamic art keeps us united before the Divine Presence. It paves the manner for the explorer who wishes to enter the ultimate Sanctum-Sanctorum of Divine Revelation. If we take no notice of or demolish this art in the present day crisis ridden world, we without doubt cut Muslims away from their spiritual moorings for the reason that this art is the onward expression of the inner spirit of Islam” (Saeed 229)
Islamic artists demonstrate their spirituality through art but it’s human nature to question a thing you can’t see. So is that why there are so many other religions have created images and idols of deities and Gods to have a physical presence? One must learn from Islamic art that it is not necessary to have a physical presence or a depiction of a God to feel his presence and worship him. In the Qur’an Allah describes all creations and possibilities as being divine. So many artists use calligraphy to communicate with Allah the beauty of His descriptions and creations rather than trying to draw those
The limitation in Islamic art comes from a phenomenon known as aniconism which is the opposition of using images and or symbols of divine beings, prophets or other religious figures. Representation of figures is deemed idolatrous …show more content…
“While creating beauty in his product the artist or architect always thinks of Allah (God) as the Supreme Beauty (Jamal) and He is Present (Hadir) everywhere. Islamic art keeps us united before the Divine Presence. It paves the manner for the explorer who wishes to enter the ultimate Sanctum-Sanctorum of Divine Revelation. If we take no notice of or demolish this art in the present day crisis ridden world, we without doubt cut Muslims away from their spiritual moorings for the reason that this art is the onward expression of the inner spirit of Islam” (Saeed 229)
Islamic artists demonstrate their spirituality through art but it’s human nature to question a thing you can’t see. So is that why there are so many other religions have created images and idols of deities and Gods to have a physical presence? One must learn from Islamic art that it is not necessary to have a physical presence or a depiction of a God to feel his presence and worship him. In the Qur’an Allah describes all creations and possibilities as being divine. So many artists use calligraphy to communicate with Allah the beauty of His descriptions and creations rather than trying to draw those