ISLAMIC ART: The Art of Decoration

ISLAMIC ART  The history of Islam, right from the time of the Prophet Muhammed, spoke out against idol worship.  As such, their art does not have any images of humans or of Allah. These images are similar to idol worship, that is why they are not present in Mosques and other Islamic holy places.

ISLAMIC ART  Islamic art is decorative; it serves as a decoration for the Quran and mosques and minarets.  It has four main forms of expression:

ISLAMIC ART  CALLIGRAPHY (Calligraphy): This fancy writing has been further developed by Muslims. Passages from the Quran decorate the sacred space/prayer halls of most mosques.

ISLAMIC ART  A rabesque: The first letter of each chapter of the Quran was decorated with colour and swirls as a form of decoration.  It is a way of giving honour and worship to Allah.

ISLAMIC ART  GEOMETRIC PATTERNS: Covering the walls of the great mosques of the world are colourful tiles arranged in geometric patterns. Covering the walls of the great mosques of the world are colourful tiles arranged in geometric patterns. Intricate designs of triangles, squares, and rectangles create a beauty that is distinctively Islamic. Intricate designs of triangles, squares, and rectangles create a beauty that is distinctively Islamic.

ISLAMIC ART  RUG MAKING AND DESIGN:  A small prayer mat may be decorated with some of these geometric patterns, or will often depict the interior design of a mosque.  In that way, a Muslim can carry their mosque as a reminder of the presence of Allah.