Beauty in Islamic Art
Introduction
From the three videos provided, what attracted me most was the manifestation of the Islamic religion in architecture. Despite the beauty, it portrays the Islamic architecture while deeply looked at has a lot of religion. Art in Islamic architecture has its foundation on geometric patterns that were developed through progressive practice over time. Art influences cultures such as Roman, Greek, Central Asia, and Persian. Basic shapes such as rectangles and squares play an essential role in Islamic art. This is because it applies the principles that control the world order—the appearance created by the rectangular shapes the constructed form into standard modules. The shadows by brickwork create a 3-D effect as light is a welcoming message from the deific source, as observed in all religions. According to Oludnami Ogunnaike (2017), Islamic art can speak clearly and proudly than the written word, and Muslims should show it, not tell about it.
Spirituality in Islamic Architecture
Any artist will agree with the fact that there exists a remarkable resemblance between artwork from different regions. The similarities are too pronounced that it is not easy even for experts to tell where a piece of art came from. The reason behind this is the fast communication within the Islamic territory. In the past days, the science and maths used to develop the designs were global for their appeal. However, it is good to note that the
three modes made Islamic decoration unique. These modes are the traditional use of a mixed-use of geometric, floral designs, calligraphy, and decagonal designs.
According to Osman (2016), Sufism ( Science of Islamic Spirituality) is mostly influenced by architecture. Sufism has had a tangible impact and influence on Islamic architecture variously. For instance, this influence can be seen in the Suleymahiye Mosque and the building that surrounds it. Looking into the mosque through a Sufi lense gives the evidence that the Islam spirit is profoundly expressed in the art. Its eye-catching beauty is infused with intense spirituality symbolized with various facets everywhere in the magnificent building. The central dome of the mosque is skillfully crafted. From its foundation to the crown, there is a series of symbolic progression multiplicity ( Wahid), the spherical shape that seals the mosque.
The harmony of the dome at the center with the other domes is extraordinary and symbolizes the Sufi rule of unity. Hence, the mosque embodies a group of classy marks of spirituality, optimizing transition from the multiple of the majestic ‘one’ and vice verse. Concerning the Holy Quran’s recitations and the prayers, the dome also signifies the Blessed Prophet and his duties of giving the holy message to the followers. This mosque is a representation of many attractive buildings that manifest Islamic spirituality in architecture.
References
Osman T. (February 29,2016) Islamic Architecture and SpirituallityRetrieved fromhttps://muslimvillage.com/2016/02/29/117055/islamic-architecture-and-spirituality/
Oludamini O.( December 5, 2017) The Silent Theology of Islamic ArtRetrieved fromhttps://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/the-silent-theology-of-islamic-art