AYAT AL – KURSI

“AYAT AL – KURSI”. 2023.

Author: Ulugbek Orifjonov

(born in 1970)

Ulugbek Orifjonov is a famous calligrapher whose works have been recognized for their sophistication and skill. The author actively participates in various exhibitions and cultural events. His works are inspired by Islamic motifs and are characterized by a high degree of detailed elaboration and artistic expressiveness.

The work is executed in the Kufi murabba calligraphic handwriting, which appeared on the basis of Kufic script, one of the oldest types of Arabic writing (mid-7th century).

Before Arabizing and systematizing the dewans (a ‘register’ or logbook in Islamic societies) in the captured countries, the Arabs thought a lot about choosing a script that would be easily readable and understandable to the Muslims of the conquered territories. As a result, the choice fell on the legible and strict Kufic handwriting that surpassed in elegance the scripts existed in other cities of the Arab Caliphate. Thus, Kufic writing spread to all regions of the large state. It is characterized by the absence of vocalizations (diacritics – consonant pointing) in letters, simplicity and strictness of style, as well as geometric proportions.

Based on the Kufic style, numerous script varieties have emerged, each with its own unique characteristics and usage in different contexts. Kufi murabba, or square kufi, is distinguished by its geometric precision and symmetry, often used in architecture and decorative arts.

Ayat al-Kursi written in blue script on a golden background is the 255th ayat of the second and largest surah Al-Baqarah of the Holy Quran.

Ayat al-Kursi is regarded the most powerful verse of the Holy Book of Islam as this ayat contains the Beautiful Names and Supreme Attributes of Allah Almighty.

It mentions such names and qualities as Wahdaniyat (Unity of Allah), Ilm (Possession of Knowledge), Malik (the King of Mankind), Qudrat (Power), and Irada (Allah’s Intention). Some Mufassir scholars (scholars in the field of tafsir science) have even said that this ayat contains seventeen of the greatest attributes of Allah.

The rhythmic composition is executed on a golden ochre background in blue ink and enclosed in a brown mosque-shaped frame. The lower part of the script is done in brown ink on gold leaf, the letter marks are blue. The successful combination of blue, gold and brown palette chosen by the author creates a shining effect, which bestows a special warm aura to the calligraphy work.

In the lower right part of the composition there is an author’s signature in Arabic script “Ulugbek”.

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