Forbidden Faces; Part Two: God of Many Names

By Jane Fitzpatrick

Creating an image of Allah is strictly forbidden in Islamic tradition. However, there is another way that we can respectfully visualize this magnificent figure: through the descriptions artfully crafted within the Qur'an, also known as the 99 Names.

"God of Many Names" is the second installation of the Arts of Islam Miniseries: Forbidden Faces. Interact with the images, audio, and links at your own pace and discover the beautiful arts inspired by the 99 names of Allah.

Sources:

  1. Van der Krogt, Christopher. "Who is Allah? Understanding God in Islam." The Conversation. April 12, 2015. https://theconversation.com/who-is-allah-understanding-god-in-islam-39558.

  2. "Shahada (Shahadah) - A Profession of Faith." Islamic Relief. https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/islamic-resources/5-pillars-of-islam/shahada/#:~:text=Translation%3A%20%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20God,and%20mindfulness%20of%20it's%20meaning

  3. Hussain, Zarah. "Introduction to Islamic Art." BBC. June 30, 2009. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/art/art_1.shtml

  4. "99 Names of Allah (Al Asma Ul Husna)." 99 Names of Allah. https://99namesofallah.name/

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Piano Music of the Middle East