Lessons in Art and Architecture from the Qur’anic Surah al-Shu’ara’ (the Poets)

Spahic Omer

doi:10.21315/kajh2019.26.1.5

Abstract

This paper discusses the lessons in art and architecture in the Qur’anic chapter, or surah,al-Shu’ara’ (the Poets). The discussion shows that poetry as an art cannot be equated with a divine revelation, nor can poets and their followers with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers. Architecture as a noble enterprise is likewise not to be employed as a sign of leading a life of depravity and extravagance in luxury and self-indulgence. Instead, it is to be used for cultivating virtue and for pursuing a greater and more authentic and sustainable good. Poetry and architecture should be developed and dealt with as signs (ayat), testifying to the greatness and benevolence of the Creator and Master of all creation. They are to function as such inspired and guided by the signs of revelation and amidst the innumerable signs of creation. The paper presents the cases of art and architecture as per the content of surah al-Shu’ara’, regarding them as human-made signs.

Highlights

Art is broadly defined as the conscious expression or application of skill and imagination in the production of items and experiences in order to be contemplated and appreciated for their beauty or emotional power (Adajian 2005)
The discussion shows that poetry as an art cannot be equated with a divine revelation, nor can poets and their followers with Prophet Muhammad and his followers
The paper presents the cases of art and architecture as per the content of surah al-Shu’ara’, regarding them as human-made signs

Summary

Introduction

Art is broadly defined as the conscious expression or application of skill and imagination in the production of items and experiences in order to be contemplated and appreciated for their beauty or emotional power (Adajian 2005). This paper discusses the lessons in art and architecture from the Qur’anic surah al-Shu’ara’. The paper demonstrates the importance of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Sunnah – the latter being the exemplary and ideal life pattern to be followed by Muslims – in formulating the authentic and comprehensive theories as well as ethics of Islamic art and architecture. The surah highlights that for the monotheistic truth, which is so repeatedly and obstinately rejected by numerous nations, innumerable signs (ayat) have been presented They have been sent down or created, and every aspect of creation, including human life and history, has been imbued with them. Its main themes and repetitive references to signs are meant to serve as antidotes for certain people’s adamant denial of the obvious and compelling truth

The Case of Poetry

The Case of Architecture

Creating and Reading Art and Architecture as Signs

Findings

Conclusion