From
an Islamic perspective, artistic expression is defined as "a set of
intellectual principles derived primarily from Islamic doctrine and the
principles and forms of worship. The reflections of this doctrine, along with
its related rulings and ideas, are evident in the behavior and output of the
Muslim artist, giving it its distinctive character compared to other art
forms." From a Western perspective, artistic expression is defined as
"the capture of emotion and its articulation in material mediums such as
colors, lines, shapes, images, and words in poetry and literature."
Alternatively, it is defined as "the expression of one's inner feelings
regarding a particular situation, event, or phenomenon, utilizing thought,
body, and language." " What is the function of the arts? They depict the
movement of life with its successes and failures. They are a visual record of a
bygone past we did not experience, a present we live with its joys and sorrows,
and a future we anticipate with its hopes and aspirations. It is a gift
bestowed by God upon whomever He wills of His servants, producing arts that
elevate taste. It is a field of stewardship and development on Earth. Can a
civilization rise, a nation progress, or a society prosper without mature arts
that refine taste, delight the soul, and soothe the heart? Of course not. All
previous civilizations have left humanity a legacy of arts before which eyes
are captivated by their magnificence and creativity. The arts reflect the moral
values of any civilization: lofty values or values that appeal to
emotions or desires. But Islamic civilization is unique in its artistic vision
and philosophy, which is based on a beautiful fusion of material and moral
values, of utility and pleasure. What we see of magnificent domes, towering
minarets, ingenious decorations, dazzling gates, and swords and shields adorned
with intricate designs in beautiful harmony combines the elevation of the Muslim's
aesthetic sense with the requirements of defending the faith. In addition, it
raises the morale and sense of belonging of the Muslim to a great and revered
nation. \
The
verses of the Holy Quran address the beauty of the creation of the heavens and
the earth in the words of God Almighty: “The Originator of the heavens and the
earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, "Be!"—and it is.
(Surat Al-Baqarah: 117) And beauty is in everything that God has made and
perfected, as He, the Most High, says: “And you will see the mountains and
think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds.
The work of Allah, who perfected all things, verily! He is well-acquainted with
what you do.” (Surat An-Nam l: 88) The beauty in the creation of the structure
of the sky and its adornment is in the words of the Almighty: “Have they not
looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there
are no rifts in it?” (Surat Qaf: 6), and His words: “And indeed, We have put
the big stars in the heaven, and We beautified it for the beholders…” (Surat
Al-Hijr: 16), and His words: “Blessed be He Who has placed in the heaven big
stars and has placed therein a great lamp (sun) and a moon giving light.”
(Surat Al-Furqan: 61). And the beauty of the creation of humankind is evident
in the words of God. Almighty: “Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth
as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made
your shapes good (looking), and has provided you with good things. That is
Allah, your Lord; then blessed be Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind,
jinns, and all that exists). (Quran 40:64). In everything God has created, we
see the perfection of His creation and the beauty of its form. We see beauty
and joy in plants and flowers of various colors and fruits of diverse shapes
and flavors.
We
see the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, praising the perfection of
work in his saying, “God loves that when one of you does a job, he does it
perfectly” (Narrated by Aisha, Mother of the Believers; Source: Sahih
al-Jami’). This is a prophetic directive for Muslims to contemplate the
artistry and creativity in God’s creation so that they may recognize the
magnificence of God’s workmanship in its perfection and beauty and thus emulate
it. Beauty is manifest in everything in this world. What is more beautiful than
a diamond extracted from the rocks of the earth or a pearl extracted from the
belly of a marine creature? The world's perfection lies in its beauty. A world
without beauty is like a forest with dead trees, a barren land with no shade
and no flowing well. Beauty is a blessing if it is a refined beauty that
respects morality and does not promote frivolity or pander to desires and
whims. This kind of art kills the spirit, fuels corruption and loss, destroys
families, and degrades society.
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