Arabic Calligraphy: Elements & Features

Among various types of Islamic art, calligraphy is considered a manifestation of the human spiritual dimension in its finest forms: the height of thought and the richness of the inner world.

Arabic calligraphy is an important part of Islamic culture. Due to the prohibition of depicting Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and living beings in general, calligraphy in Muslim countries is regarded as a special art — the beauty of the letter, the “beauty of writing.” For many centuries, the Kufic script (الكوفي) expressed this “beauty of writing,” characterized by straightforward, geometrically precise letters. Until the 12th century, it was used for writing suras of the Holy Qur’an.

Calligraphy is rhythmically subordinated to the measured cadence of recitation and visually expresses the content of the holy book of Muslims. The essence of the Qur’an is to convey the prophecies of Muhammad, whose mission was to spread Islam. Thus, calligraphy became a means of transmitting the content of the “divine message” embodied in the Qur’an.

As a form of fine art, calligraphy developed high artistic qualities and established its own place among other art forms, becoming an independent discipline. Its creative potential has attracted artists for centuries and continues to do so today: calligraphy remains a subject of interest for study and application in modern graphic styles.

Arabic calligraphy is described as “the art of beautiful writing,” “the correct formation of symbols,” “the organization of elements,” and “the harmony of proportions.” There are six canonical scripts or styles:

• Naskh — correspondence style
• Muhaqqaq — clear, expressive letters
• Rayhani — delicate letters resembling the basil flower
• Thuluth — monumental letters combining curved and straight elements in a 1:3 proportion
• Tawqi‘ — a script of small, compact letters used in decrees
• Riqa — a cursive script

All six styles are based on the Hatt Mansub system (“proportioned script”), which defines the proportional relationships of vertical and horizontal elements of letters within words and lines. This system was developed by the Baghdad calligrapher Ibn Muqla in the 10th century. Calligraphy has its own rules of composition, rhythm, and harmony. The formation of letters — the creation of the “beauty of form” — is achieved using a reed pen called a qalam. The method of preparing it (cutting and shaping) depends on the chosen calligraphic style and the traditions of the writing school.

Calligraphy also influences contemporary design. With the development of advertising and web design, modern designers have begun to incorporate calligraphy into various fields, including printing (book covers, album lettering), fashion (prints and logos), and outdoor and audio advertising. A modern approach to Arabic calligraphy was demonstrated, for example, in the graphic arts exhibition “Beyond the Letters” at the Museum of Islamic Art in Malaysia (2018). The Japanese artist Fuad Honda used calligraphic elements to reflect a philosophical understanding of natural phenomena: ocean waves, plant growth, arid deserts, and the rhythmic formation of dunes under the blazing sun. In his works, all these elements are presented as a universal cosmic order shaped by divine forces of nature.

In 2019, artist Manal Dieb presented a collection of works created using calligraphy. In search of a new artistic language and style, she combined imagery and calligraphy. The thematic foundation of her works focused on the impact of war on the lives and destinies of children.

Conclusion.
The art of Arabic calligraphy has a long-standing tradition in Arab countries. It continues to play an important role in religion, education, and the arts, remaining a key element of Arabic culture. Originating in antiquity, it developed throughout the Middle Ages and achieved significant accomplishments in later centuries. The transformations taking place in Arab countries in the 20th and 21st centuries have contributed to the emergence of new artistic ideas and the search for innovative ways to apply traditional calligraphy in modern graphic design. These new approaches, while different from traditional ones, produce results that are equally significant in content and meaning.