About Us - An Introduction to Farooqi Calligraphy Crafts

The inseparable association of pen and knowledge exists since time immemorial. When the revelation of the Holy Qur'an began, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was commanded at the very outset, "Read in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher! … Who taught man (the use of) pen and taught man which he knew not." (96:1-5) Evidently, pen enjoys such an elevated place in the sight of Allah that He made it an essential medium of knowledge and also that of teaching and learning. Hence, it is understandable that calligraphy, the art of writing, has become an inseparable part of Islamic traditions from the very beginning. The prohibition of art work involving paintings and carvings of human and animal forms, sculpture of deities, and any other artistic expression focused on human and animal forms, gave vent to the development and promotion of calligraphy as the artistic expression of Muslim Ummah at large. The Muslim art of writing germinated during the time of Prophet himself (peace be upon him), steadily got promotion during the reign of reverend Caliphs Abu Bakr Siddiq, Omar bin Khattab, Usman bin Afwan and Ali bin Abi Talib. The later Muslim rulers further enriched the art of Islamic calligraphy through their attentive sponsorship. In the early history of Islam, Kufic style of lettering was in vogue.

It is believed, the prophet Ilyas was the first man bestowed with the art of writing. Zahhak invented the Persian script. The Quran was preserved in Kufic script for a long time. The renowned early calligraphers of the Prophet's time include reverend Ali bin Abi Talib, Ubai bin Kab, Zaid bin Thabit, Saad bin Zararah, Manzar bin Umar and Arfa bin Malik. During the period of Enlightened Caliphs, the art of calligraphy received constant promotion, which gave rise to such prominent calligraphers as reverend Hasnain and Abdullah bin Umar. The well-known Sufi legend reverend Khwaja Hasan Basari was also bestowed with an extraordinary calligraphic knack.

The period of Banu Abbas in the Islamic history is also known for some towering calligraphers. The growth of the art got an unprecedented impetus at that time. Ishaq bin Hammad is considered to be the greatest Khattat of Abbasid era. After him, Ibn Mujahid revolutionized this art through his ingenuity and masterly expression, including the introduction of many styles (Khat) such as Thulth, Naskh, Tauqi'a, Riqa'a, Muhqaq and Rihan. The bold script is called Thulth whereas normal style is termed as Naskh. The style of Thulth (Third) is called so because it was introduced after the old and Kufic ones. Although this style was prevalent in Iraq and Egypt, however, it reached to unprecedented heights in Turkey during the Caliphate of Usman bin Afwan and the Turkish calligraphers have out shown many of their contemporaries in the field.

The art of calligraphy and proficient writing remains an integral part of the Muslim civilization and culture. Great calligraphers emerged in every Muslim epoch. A number of calligraphic artworks are still extant in several monuments spread in various parts of the world, illustrating well this very aspect of the Muslim society. The art of Islamic writing got high value during the Mughal era in India, especially during the rein of Shahjahan who carved out for himself a distinct place in royal architecture of the subcontinent. Several monuments erected by this great monarch exhibit splendid acumen of the calligraphic ingredient of the prevalent architecture. Apart from in India and the Muslim world, research work is presently underway in America and Europe on this art.

Man is intrinsically inclined towards aesthetics and appreciation for beauty; and quality writing is a mirror of this natural tendency. A beautiful writing and stylish work of calligraphy received appreciation in every human epoch. Calligraphy transmits not only a textual message but it also imbibes a high quality to do so. And, therefore, all sort of scripts contain in itself very high standard of aesthetics.

Calligraphy is a living and perennial epitome of art. Its globally spread samples speak of its universality and all-pervading attraction. This art occupies a basic status among the known list of fine arts. This is rich with those elements of aesthetics, which are considered to be essential elements of fine arts. The symmetry and balance involved in calligraphic work maintains perhaps the most beautiful but difficult presentations of geometry. This is so much magnificent that it attracts every eye and binds every human soul.

There is a close relation between calligraphy and architecture. Most of the historical monuments have been decorated with this art. There was a time when most of the artists considered it essential to acquire mastery on the calligraphic art and that is why they themselves enjoyed the right to fix the site and place for expression of architectural beauty in the form of calligraphy. Even in this high-tech age, the calligraphic work can be used to decorate homes, offices and public places.

We have collected some rare pieces of calligraphic writings and presented them in a new and beautiful form involving three dimensions instead of the usual two. Although wood as a medium of art has been used in several parts of the world, however, we have used this medium in a unique, attractive and innovative manner by using Borotik brand chemically treated klin dried fine quality solid rubber wood. In modernly furnished homes, offices, etc. these artworks carve out their own niche in the interior decoration besides sensitizing the inherent message and disseminating the divine bounties promised on the particular expressions. Our stylish presentation finely enhances the beauty of already decorated drawing rooms or reception desks as hangings, tabletop, etc. By using this artwork for the presentation or exchange of gifts, or as awards in educational institutions, we can strengthen the classical traditions of calligraphic art and promote a mission. Furthermore, the placing of these artworks, based on the sacred words, mostly the verses of the Holy Quran, is expected to ensure divine bestowal around and a feeling of goodness everywhere. We have tried to fill up the long over due vacuum in the field of presenting Islamic gifts to each other. Simultaneously we are working as a project for some mosques (pls complete it by asking to the agwans sahab).

Our all the creations are based on the principle of arithmetic symmetry and it has been attempted that they could present a balanced look from all facets. This venture is taken up since last ten years and steadily developed into an impeccable style. Since then, whatever appreciation, love and affection expressed by our well wishers have really encouraged us to take up the work ever more ardently and with reinforced dedication and devotion. The spirit behind germination and development of the artistic acumen in Irshad H. Farooqi the pioneer and promoter of this special art style. We will always remain indebted to the chain of great calligraphers through whom the present work has flourished. It will be our earnest endeavor to present our renderings in an effective, innovative and ever improving manner so that our humble role in the service of this great art may be fulfilled.

Irshad Hussain Farooqi
For farooqi Calligraphy Crafts