8-Pointed Star Mudawwara (Medallion)

Size: 11" x 11" // Medium: Watercolours on Arches Watercolour Paper + Geomtry + Tazheeb- Islamic Illumination

Sura al-Hashr (Q 59:24) is embellished by an exceptionally alluring Name of Allah Subhanahu – 𝘢𝘭-𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘸𝘸𝘪𝘳. Al-Musawwir is the Fashioner and Bestower of Forms who has created the universe in a variety of shapes, forms, colours and designs. He has created worlds and beings that are diverse and unique, each testament to the Craft of their Creator. The root word saad-waw-raa, which gives us the word ‘musawwir’, denotes the capacity to form, fashion, figure, shape, sculpt or picture something. It also offers another meaning–to incline or lean towards something or to make something bend or lean.⁣⁣⁣⁣

In the 8th Risala of 'Ikhwan al Safaa' (Brethren of Purity), Sanai’ ‘Amaliyyah (Crafts and Professions that Depend on Physical Actions) Imam Ahmed al Mastoor ^AS states:

⁣⁣“Know O Brother that skillfulness in any craft is the emulation of the Creator who is al-Musawwir — the Fashioner, the Wise. It is said that He loves a talented, skillful craftsman. The Prophet Mohammed ^SAW has stated that Allah loves a craftsman adept at his craft. Whosoever becomes more proficient in their field, becomes closer to Allah Ta'ala.”

⁣⁣⁣⁣The ornamental value, ‘zeenat', of traditional architectural marvels, the construction and the symbolic meanings and principles behind their geometric and biomorphic patterns draws me towards them🔹🔶🔹. Their timeless element makes me want to re-construct them with more accuracy and proficiency, for it makes me feel elated that it is a means for me to become closer to my Creator! ⁣⁣