The Divine Spark: How Islamic Monotheism Ignites the Creative Process

Photo by Faruk Kaymak on Unsplash

Islamic monotheism, or tawhid, is the central tenet of Islam and is the foundation of Islamic belief. It is the belief that there is only one God, Allah, and that He alone should be worshipped without associates or partners (the action of associating anyone or anything in worship with Allah is called shirk). This belief has a profound impact on the creative process for Muslim artists.

The concept of tawhid is not limited to theology; it is also a fundamental principle in Islamic art. Islamic art is an expression of the oneness of God, and it is through this expression that the beauty of Allah’s creation is reflected. Islamic art is not merely decorative or ornamental, but rather it is a means of expressing the unity of creation and the interconnectedness of all things. It also attempts to capture the essence of boundless infinity (which is impossible), an attribute explicitly belonging to Allah alone.

For Muslim artists, the belief in tawhid is an integral part of their creative process. It shapes their worldview and influences the way they approach their work. Muslim artists view their art as a means of expressing their awe and reverence for Allah and as a way to connect with Him. They believe that their art is a form of worship and a way to glorify Allah.

The concept of tawhid also influences the subject matter of Islamic art. Islamic art is predominantly non-representational, with a focus on calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesques. This is because the belief in tawhid forbids the representation of God or any other figures in art. Instead, Islamic art seeks to express the beauty of Allah’s creation through the use of abstract forms.

Islamic monotheism also instills in Muslim artists a sense of humility and reverence for the creative process. They understand that they are mere instruments of Allah’s will and that their artistic talents are gifts from Him. This understanding inspires them to approach their work with a sense of reverence and to strive for excellence in everything they do.

Islamic monotheism plays a crucial role in the creative process for Muslim artists. It shapes their worldview, influences their approach to their work, and inspires them to create art that reflects the beauty of Allah’s creation. Muslim artists view their art as a form of worship and a means of connecting with Allah. They approach their work with humility and strive for excellence in everything they do. The belief in tawhid is not just a theological concept; it is a fundamental principle in Islamic art and an integral part of the creative process for Muslim artists.