The significance of Arabic calligraphy has been emphasized in various contexts, with Ali ibn Abi Talib famously stating that “beautiful writing enhances the clarity of truth.” This highlights the importance of the beauty, correctness, skillful composition, and eloquence of calligraphy in conveying meanings effectively. If the truth holds profound significance, it can only be truly realized when written in a clear style and format that aptly conveys and encapsulates its intended message.
According to Al-Qalqashandi in his book “The Morning of Brightest Stars,” calligraphy is defined by the forms of individual letters, their arrangements, and the method of composing a line. Yaqut al-Musta’simi referred to calligraphy as a “spiritual art manifested through a corporeal instrument.” Ibn Khaldun also acknowledged calligraphy as one of the tools for achieving the nuances of language, describing it as a noble craft that distinguishes humans, serving various purposes and representing the second rank of linguistic significance.
Calligraphy is both an art and a craft, considered a unique skill that sets some individuals apart from others. Mastering this skill requires adherence to specific rules, consistent practice, and continuous dedication, as neglecting it may hinder dexterity and proficiency.
Arab Interest in Arabic Calligraphy
Poet Abu al-Fath al-Busti extolled the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, illustrating its significance:
“The pen of the writer suffices for praise and elevation | For God has sworn by the Pen”
Referring to the Quranic verse: “Nun. By the pen and what they inscribe.”
Arabs did not only focus on Arabic calligraphy as a tool for writing and communication but elevated it to an art form that embodies their civilization. By harnessing the inherent forms of Arabic letters, they demonstrated exceptional creative abilities. Consequently, Arabic calligraphy panels became distinctive features of abstract art within Islamic artistry.
Observe the embellishment of mosque domes with Quranic verses in various Arabic calligraphy styles. Beyond writing and transcribing Arabic scriptures and books, Arabic calligraphy transformed into a unique ornamentation for embellishing mosques, Islamic buildings, carpet embroidery, sword decorations, jewelry adornments, seal markings, and coinage.
Moreover, diverse forms of Arabic calligraphy, such as the Nabatean, Anbari, and Hairi scripts existing before Islam, evolved over time. The Kufic script emerged, deriving from the Nabatean script, and it was notably used in writing the Noble Qur’an since the era of the Rashidun Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan. As the Islamic state expanded, scribes and cal…
