Iqra | First Word of The Quran
This painting symbolizes a significant event in Islamic history, marking the beginning of the prophethood
This is a print of an Islamic painting by Saleha
Modern Calligraphy: Iqra [read]
Traditional Islamic Calligraphy: Iqra bismi rab bikal lazee khalaq... [Read, 'O Prophet,' in the name of your Lord who created (all that exists). Created man from a clot. Read: And your Lord is the Most Generous. He who taught (the writing) by the pen. Taught man what he never knew.] 96: 1-5
The Story
This painting symbolizes the iconic moment when the Prophet Muhammad PBUH received the first revelation from Allah SWT. It depicts his initial hesitancy due to him being unlettered, and Angel Jibreel's persistence as he squeezed him three times, commanding him to "read," that marks the beginning of the Prophetic mission.
The piece is dominated by a rich leather fabric that represents the blanket in which Khadijah RA, the beloved wife of the Prophet PBUH, enveloped him when he came running and trembling saying, "Zammiluni" (cover me). The concrete edges subtly allude to the contours of a cave in Mount Hira, where the revelation occurred, reminding us of the physical environment that bore witness to this extraordinary event.
The intricate Islamic pattern on the painting symbolizes the sacred script of the Quran. "Iqra" is embedded into the design to illustrate pens and ink, reflecting the starting point of this divine journey between man and God. The scroll of text unfolds, narrating the story of the revelation.
It serves as a reminder that the path to true worship begins with a thirst for knowledge and understanding, just as it did on that momentous day when the first word of the Quran, "Iqra," illuminated the world. When we try to seek knowledge, Allah SWT will make the road to Jannah easier.