Islamic Calligraphy: The Development of the Art Through the Practice of its Masters with Soraya Syed

In this film Soraya gives a summary of the movements and growth of a script which began with the advent of Islam. ‘Iqra’ (Read!) we are informed were the first words spoken to Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel and it is from this first revelation that calligraphers began to write for the benefit of the fledgling Muslim community. The rudimentary early scripts were practical, simple and humble but allowed a baseline from which the more artistically minded practitioners could develop into an art form that would delight the eye and enjoin the beauty of the meaning, with the exquisiteness of the visual. This would finally connect with the third element of rhythmic recitation, in order to create a perfect circle. The film was commissioned by the Islamic Art SSN as part of their ACE funded activities that aim to support regional museums and their collections. Visit us on: