Calligraphy is an ancient art of writing in ornamental and elaborate forms. Broadly speaking there are three types of calligraphy, Eastern, Western & Arabic Calligraphy. Each has different types of scripts.
Calligraphy in Islamic art began in the 7th century with the advent and development of a new religion called Islam. The idea of creating this beautiful form of art was closely connected to the divine as it was believed that the words of God (Allah) had been transmitted through Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and calligraphy was used as a tool to capture and preserve the holy words of Quran in a written form.
Islamic art does not portray figures of animals or people for religious reasons. Instead, calligraphy became an important means of decoration and a highly creative art form.
Islamic calligraphy had strong connections to religion, but its use was not restricted to religious texts. Secular poems and writings, as well as praise for leaders, was also rendered in calligraphy. The artists who practiced calligraphy were highly skilled, and they trained for years to master their art.
Arabic calligraphy was originally a tool for communication, but with time, it began to be used in architecture, decoration and coin design. Its evolution into these major roles reflected the early Muslim’s need to avoid (as their beliefs required) figures and pictorials that were used as idols before Islam was established in the Arabian Peninsula. Hence, from a mere tool of communication, it elevated to the most beautiful and revered form of art.
