Islamic

Islam is a monotheistic religion and is the second largest religion in the world by number of its followers. Islam originated from the teachings of Muhammad, who was a prominent religious and political figure of the 7th-century Arab-world. A follower of Islam is known as a Muslim, which means “one who submits (to God)”.

Islamic art includes artistic works produced by people (not necessarily Muslim) living in territories inhabited by culturally Islamic populations from 7th century onwards. It includes architecture, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, etc. Also, notable is that Islamic art from various countries and eras differs rather largely in form and ornament. In spite of these differences, Islamic art & architecture maintain a certain stylistic unity and is characterised by universal usage of a common Arabic script and increased emphasis on calligraphy. Calligraphy is an important feature in all Islamic art and delicate calligraphy is even seen on "minor art" pieces like ewers and incense holders. Islamic art often features geometrical floral or vegetal designs in repetition, which are also known as “arabesque”. Islamic art is usually abstract in nature so as to symbolise the “transcendent, indivisible and infinite nature of Allah”. It is a common myth that portrayal of humans or animals in art is completely prohibited by Islam; this does not hold true.