The term “Qalam” refers to a writing instrument or pen in Arabic. In the context of Islamic history and culture, the Qalam holds significance as a tool for writing, recording knowledge, and creating art, particularly in the form of calligraphy. It is often associated with the transmission of religious texts, including the Quran and Hadith, and is considered a symbol of wisdom, education, and the preservation of divine knowledge.
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, begins with the word “Iqra” (Read) in Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1), underscoring the importance of knowledge. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:1), the association of the pen with what is inscribed signifies the divine act of recording the eternal knowledge of Allah: “Nun. By the pen and what they inscribe.”
The Qalam serves as a tool of transmission, embodying the duty of Muslims to seek knowledge actively. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269) emphasizes the value of wisdom and knowledge, which are often acquired and shared through pen.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) extolled the significance of knowledge in various Hadiths, highlighting the noble status of scholars. The hadith, “The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr,” underscores the sanctity of knowledge-seeking endeavors (Al-Tirmidhi).
The connection between Qalam and the divine is further explored through the concept of the “Preserved Tablet” (Al-Lawh al-Mahfuz), introduced in Surah Al-Qalam. This celestial tablet is believed to contain the predetermined knowledge of Allah, symbolizing the divine predestination of all events.
The reverence for the Qalam extends to the art of Islamic calligraphy. The diligent practice of writing Quranic verses and hadiths in ornate scripts not only serves as a form of artistic expression but also honors the sacredness of the written letters.
Hence, In Islam, the Qalam is more than a mere writing instrument; it is a symbol of divine knowledge, scholarly pursuits, and artistic expression. Rooted in Quranic verses and Hadith, the Qalam stands as a testament to the profound interplay between wisdom, education, and the aesthetic beauty of Islamic calligraphy. As Muslims continue to seek knowledge and express their faith through the art created by each stroke of the Qalam, they also contribute to a legacy that bridges the temporal and the eternal, the earthly and the celestial.
