Bab al Sukoon
Size: 18" x 22" // Medium: Watercolours on Arches Watercolour Paper + Tazheeb- Islamic Illumination
The iconic two horses’ heads panel is in striking contrast to the more familiar geometric and biomorphic decorative patterns of Fatimid art. This remnant of Fatimid woodwork is remarkable in that it is devoid of any geometric forms and comprises entirely of vegetal motifs-or arabesques- of leaves, spades, and horses. However, the flowing and peaceful feminine nature of the organic patterns is counterbalanced by the bisection of the panel into identical halves and the repeated circular lines that reproduce the effect of geometric designs – of balance and strength.
Viewing this singular composition of motifs provides an impression of unity, harmony, and sukoon. At first glance, the most important element of the work, the two horses seem to be facing opposite directions. Yet a closer look reveals that they are united by interwoven reins, reminding us of zawjain, the many binaries in the universe, the two genders being one of them. They seem to suggest an interdependent pair, matched in rank and values (اكفاء), and committed to each other.
The intertwined reins seem to signify timeless bonds of affection and mercy and reminds me of the ayah sharifah:
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ (الروم ٢١)
And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.
Explaining the implications of the above ayah, al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA states:
“Allah has created spouses for man, from him, so that they may provide solace for each other, and has established a relationship of love and compassion between them. If a wife is virtuous, she will be a cause of affinity for her husband, who will be comforted whenever he sees her. Whenever he speaks to her, he will find relief from what ails him and, as a result, be soothed. Children produced by such a union will lead a home to flourish, where they shall receive a beneficial upbringing. Hence, a comfortable life, imbued with an ambience of love, will ensue.”(Quoted from an address delivered on 09-01-1429 AH/ 16-01-2008 CE)
This divine purpose of matrimony is epitomized in the marriage of Maulana Ali SA and Maulatona Fatima AS. Ameerul Mumineen SA states
والله ما اغضبتها ولا اكرهتها علي امرا، ولا اغضبتني ولا عصت لي امرا
“By Allah, I never angered Fatima nor compelled her; nor did she ever anger or disobey me.
لقد كنت انظر اليها فيكشف عني الهموم والاحزان
“When I looked at Fatima, I was relieved of sorrow and sadness.”The statements reveal how Maulana Ali AS actively showered affection (مَّوَدَّةً) and mercy (رَحْمَةً) on Maulatona Fatima AS. They also assert how Fatima AS was his source of relief and support, particularly in times of difficulty. The bond of marriage as envisaged in al- Qur’an al-Kareem is suggestive of transcending egocentric power struggles between couples to attain 𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐧.