The Prophet of Islam in the Mirror of Islamic Art (A Case Study of Calligraphy and Music)

At the dawn of Islam, the prevailing art was eclectic, largely influenced by Byzantine and Persian art. Over time, however, it acquired distinct characteristics that are now referred to as Islamic art. A study of the Qur'an, the Sirah (the biography and conduct of the Prophet), and the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) shows that "beauty" in its general sense and "art" in its specific sense play a significant role in the text of the Holy Qur'an and in the Messenger's Sirah, and neither is overlooked. This article seeks to determine the point of connection between the noble Messenger of Islam and art, and in doing so examines two forms of art: music and calligraphy. We explore these two subjects within the Prophet's personal conduct, temperament, guidance, and way of life, and analyze the influence of his Sirah on these two arts. We begin by offering an account of the concept of Islamic art, so that the reader becomes aware of its various definitions and understands that there is no uniformity or consensus among scholars in this field regarding the concept of Islamic art and its origins. We then present details of the Prophet's views and sayings concerning the art of calligraphy, and examine the influence of his Sirah on that art, including Hilye writing (the calligraphic depiction of the Prophet's physical and moral attributes). We then explore the Prophet's hadiths, conduct, and character concerning music. This research was carried out using a descriptive-analytical method, drawing on library and documentary sources. Given the sensitivity of the subject, primary and well-known sources have been used as far as possible, and tafsir bi al-ra'y (i.e., personal interpretation) has been avoided as much as possible in the descriptions.