Artsy Ummi blogs

Do you know what sets ancient Islamic art apart from any other type?  Well here’s a clue …. You will not find the artist’s name signed upon the art. In the Islamic view, God is the Ultimate Reality. The early Muslim artists experimented with the intricate systems of interconnected geometric forms, and connected its patterns to Allah’s cosmos. Unlike ‘impressionists’ who show the world their vision through their eyes, the Muslim artist only seeks to please Allah by creating flawless art.  To destroy ones ego with the aim of pleasing Allah is often the goal.  When you enter the mosque, you are humbled by its simplicity of the interior with nothing but a clean open area rug with no furniture. No figurines, portraits, or human faces to worship. All of that is insignificant compared to the beautification of the place of worship.

What you will see is a lot of geometric shapes, weaving in and out of each other as they create mesmerizing patterns.  Complex structures that seem simple till you start to follow them with your finger.  Whether etched in rock on a building, or painted with finesse on pottery, on carpets, coins and yellowing manuscripts …. Islamic art has left an impression on the ancient world that still echoes till today. From the Omayyad’s in Spain with their Splendid architecture to the Fatimid’s in North Africa with their cutting edge ceramic techniques , Lush Ottoman carpets from Turkey to the intricate blue handicrafts of Persia, each depicts the science and advancement brought about by Islamic thought and remembrance of Allah (SWT) Almighty.

Next time you see a work of beauty remember it took a process to get there and that the artist made sacrifices to create something sublime to please The One he loves.