The Religions Book

261

appreciation, and matchlessness
accorded to the Qur’an are not
limited by Muslims to its message
or its recitation. Even the Arabic
script within the holy book has
significant visual value and plays
a central role in Islamic art.

The art of Islam
Motivated by a desire to avoid
idolatry in all its forms, Muslim
tradition forbade representational
illustration within the Qur’an.

However, abstract images, such

as patterns, were permitted, and

the Arabic script itself developed

into an elevated art form: beautiful

Arabic calligraphy was used to

write out the Qur’an, often in

spectacular colored inks and

precious gold leaf.

As a result of the prohibition

on portraying animals or human

figures, artists also developed

the Islamic arabesque style. This

is a form of artistic decoration

that consists of rhythmic lines,

elaborate scrolling and interlacing

foliage, and repeated geometric

motifs. These artworks—which

appear on mosaics, in the Qur’an,

and inside mosques—also have an

important spiritual message: the

endlessly intertwining shapes and

patterns, in which there appears

to be no beginning or end, are

intended to prompt reflection

on the infinity of Allah. ■

ISLAM

...a guidance for

the people and clear

proofs of guidance and

the criterion [of right

and wrong].

Sura 2:185

The transcribers of

the Qur’an

In order to safeguard the

integrity of the Qur’an,

Zayd ibn Thabit, one of the

Prophet’s close companions,

formed a group of scribes

responsible for writing down

revelations as they came to

Muhammad. Eventually, Zayd

and his scholars produced

a full-length manuscript of

the Qur’an, which was cross-

checked with those who had

memorized the revelations

to ensure that there were no

errors. The finished manuscript

was presented to Hafsah, one

of Muhammad’s wives.

Since Arabic is written

without vowels, a correct

reading and pronunciation

of the text depends upon the

reader’s familiarity with the

language. When discrepancies

cropped up, the dialect of

the Quraysh, Muhammad’s

tribe, was given precedence.

Even so, variations of the

written Qur’anic text arose.

Consequently, Uthman ibn

Affan, one of Muhammad’s

companions, oversaw the

production of an authorized

version in the mid-7th century.

The book of the Qur’an as it

is known today is largely a

result of this compilation.

Islam does not allow representation

in religious imagery; instead, beautiful

calligraphy and patterning are used.

The geometric designs reflect the

order and harmony that Allah brings.