My interest in art did not begin with a crush on Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

Although Michelangelo’s “David,” Claude Monet’s “Water-Lily Pond,” Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” and others are impressive, like millions of Americans, I struggled with museum art. I felt as if I needed a doctorate degree in art to
appreciate it.

I always have thought that art is supposed to be aesthetic and inspirational, not irrelevant and lifeless objects locked in a cold museum. As Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow
up.”

I picked up art in spite of museum culture. During graduate school, I fortunately dabbled my way into reading different styles of Islamic arts. In Islamic arts, specifically Arabic calligraphy, I discovered an intertwining of art and ethics.

Contemporary Colors & styles by Faraz Khan

The ethical dimension related to Islamic art is often depicted in a religious context. For example, Prophet Muhammad’s sentiments, “God is Beautiful and He loves beauty,” is illustrated in elegant styles and curvilinear patterns by master
calligraphers. The name of an artist may not be prominently displayed in any of the works, but the name of God often bears testimony to a faith-based culture.

Interestingly, Prophet Muhammad described God with 99 beautiful divine attributes, and one of these unique names is Al-Musawwir … the one who shapes, gives hues, and is the maker of majestic beauty. Musawwir in Arabic also commonly is used for an artist: the one who formulates, colors and captures beautify. The world is seen as artistry of God.

Islamic art consists of diverse fields and time periods. Generally, Islamic art is referred to a collage of masterpieces produced in the Muslim world. The fields incorporate architecture, calligraphy, arabesque, pottery, paintings, sculptures,
tiles, metallurgy, ceramics and many other categories.

Although the names of the finest handymen of Islamic calligraphy may be obscure — such as Ibn Muqlah, Ibn al-Bawwab, Hafiz Osman and Ismail Gulgee — they have all earned a distinction in Islamic arts. The magnificence of their craftsmanship is displayed in museums all over the world. They represent diversity of regions, artistic expressions, epochs, styles, cultures and Islamic tradition.

Framed art in different sizes

Unlike the modern museum culture, the mosque was a focal point of art exhibition in the Muslim world. The plush carpets were embroidered with details of fruits and gardens of Paradise. The geometric patterns glistened on tiles and ceramics. The architecture almost always was local, but borrowed its blueprint prayer niche, pulpit, prayer rows and space for women and children from the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad. Like early monasteries, mosques would store masterpieces of illustrious calligraphic Qurans. The book-binding and arabesque arts evolved into embellishing and ornamenting the divine words.

The central mosques also were civic centers and often stored great collections of books on many subjects. The walls of mosques often were decorated with picturesque scenes to inspire paradise, paintings of gardens and calligraphy from the Quran. The mosques opened up to the marketplace, where house decor and collectibles were displayed in the open. All these artifacts were ensemble in a mosque or its proximity for an awe-inspiring experience to the believers.

Islamic Art booth at ICNA 2010

Arguably the most spectacular of Islamic art is displayed in the Dome of the Rock in Palestine, the Taj Mahal in India, and Selimiye Mosque in Turkey. In “The Innocents Abroad,” Mark Twain mentions the Dome of Rock: “The inside of the great mosque is very showy with variegated marble walls and with windows and inscriptions of elaborate mosaic.” The golden dome, octagonal structure, mosaic of calligraphy and marble in a green courtyard gives an awe-inspiring experience.

The Taj Mahal or Crown Palace is a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his wife. It is a synthesis of Indian and Persian architecture adorned with white marble, multichambered cube, vaulted archways, arched balconies, central onion dome, four cylindrical minarets, embellished with precious stone inlays, carvings, stucco, and verses from the Quran. The Taj Mahal is considered the finest of Indian and Persian art.

The Selimiye Mosque is an Ottoman magnum opus, an amalgamation of colleges, hospital, library, public baths, hospices, and markets — a city within a city. These displays of have turned every cynic into a believer. These architectural monuments and wonders of the world are a collection of history and art that stands frozen in time.

mashAllah in cream color background. Latest piece.

My interest in modern Islamic art is rooted in a historical context of faith and ethics. Islamic art has a glorious history. Like the great work of past and present, beauty separates great wonders from ordinary names. I hope to continue my
effort and recapture a genre of beauty and bliss of the past for the future generations.

Family First: Five Essentials of a Happy Family
By Faraz Khan
Liberalartsforum.com
 
Briefly I would like to discuss five essentials that would lead to a happy family life. These essentials are not to be confused for exclusive spousal advice but rather the entire family can adopt these maxims. A good way in improving family relations is to be proactive than reactive. It is hoped that the following practices can provide the inspiration of love and happiness:
 
1.  Let your family know that you love them.
2.  If you have to criticize, do it with love.
3.  Do not reason while angry.
4.  Pray together at least once a day
5.  Neglect the entire world rather than neglecting your family.
 
Let your family know that you love them:
How difficult is it to say the three magic words that can turn an ocean of tears into gentle heavenly smiles? These magical words never get out of fashion or loose their luster and the right moment to say them is now. Every family member can strengthen the family bond by repeating “I love you”. The Qur’an states that it is Allah who has placed love (mawadda) and mercy (rahma) in our hearts. This specific ayah is memorialized at many weddings. However, once after such talks an elderly woman came up to me and asked, how come within Eastern Muslims families this word is never shared? The phrase “I love you” is only heard in the movies and streets but not at home. There is great undermining of family relations from the external sources. Many people confuse love for lust on Hollywood (and Bollywood). Love is connected to family responsibility and lust is attached to a satisfaction of carnal desires. Islam does not teach people to go to the mosque so they can ignore their families. Historically, after hearing a woman’s complain Caliph Omar would not allow any soldiers to serve more than four months without seeing their families. Think for a moment, when was the last time you said “I love you” to the family members? Love can only take roots when we cultivate it with great care in family relations.
 
If you have to criticize, do it with love.
Ridicule is sufficed in public advice. Talk to others as you would like others to talk to you. A family is a team working together to attain paradise. What if you see a team quarrelling and bashing one another on the playing field? No doubt, lack of discipline can ruin great individual heroics on game day. A friend regretted about spending 20 years of his prime on Wall Street while ignoring basic Islamic education. I reminded him that lost time could be gained if we can impart Islam to our family and children. Allah exalted describes believing men and women as ‘awliya’ meaning friends, helpers, and protectors of one another. Constructive criticism removes blemish and beautifies the mundane. Giving advice does not mean one is free from receiving advice from others. In addition, family talk is not time to enliven old mistakes or compile a list of wrongs. The Prophet Muhammad said “All of the children of Adam are sinners but the best of them are those who correct themselves”. Let us focus on correcting our mistakes and advising others in loving manners with a gentle smile.
 
Do not reason or argue while in a state of anger.
The Prophet said three times to a man seeking advice ‘la taghdab’ meaning do not become angry. The Qur’an talks about the slave of the Merciful as ‘those who swallow their anger and they forgive people and overlook their faults’. Interestingly, when we swallow or eat something we seal our lips unless we want to look absurd to others. In addition, parents are models for children. As a teacher I have seen that children’s behavior is a reflection of their parents. Students who showed generosity, care, altruism, and respect brought it from their home. On the other hand, students who shout at others, throw things, and disrespect others have also brought the baggage from their home. We have to be role models to our children and spouse. The Prophet gave us advice on anger management. If you are standing, sit down, if you are sitting, recline, seek God’s protection from the accursed devil, drink a glass of water and cool down. We should uplift everyone in the family by becoming the best example for them.
 
Pray together at least once a day.
Allah says to the Prophet in the Qur’an ‘command your family to pray and be steadfast on it’. The congregational family prayer should be part of the daily routine. The Prophet performed supererogatory prayers with his wives, children and close companions at home. Today TV and internet have entered the house as a third parent. All efforts should be made to bring extended families together in a monthly or weekly halaqa where they study the Quran, sirah, Islamic etiquettes or listen to a scholar in person or on a CD. Be mindful of joining or initiating a halaqa that ignores younger family members. The statement “go play in another room” can be very dangerous in the long run for our children. If they do not learn family interaction at home where else they will learn Muslim traditional values? Praying together brings much needed peace of heart at home.
 
Neglect the whole world but not the family.
Family comes first. Allah says in the Qur’an ‘O you who believe protect yourselves and your family from the fire of hell’. On a list of priorities, the first obligation is family. This does not mean we ignore our obligations to our neighbors, friends, in-laws, and others but unless a family stands on a solid foundation, our relations with others will remain shaky at best. Remarkably, some people attend jumuah prayers, lectures, congregational prayers at mosque, study or teach at the mosque but they do not share it with their spouse and children. They are on an iman-high but their families are busy surfing the TV channels, making friends on facebook, downloading new apps for cell phone, or finding new movies on Netflix. We need to come down from the clouds and live with people. How can the family be our priority when we are too busy saving people on the other side of the planet? The youth should also pay heed to the words of Allah ‘show parents excellence in manners’. Love and respect are intertwined with the mercy of Allah. Let us remember to pray for our family members and recommit to living family first so we can build a better society.

Contemporary Styles in Islamic Art by Faraz Khan
The images display a collage of classical Arabic script intertwined with bright color scheme and modern, single stroke curvilinear approach.

Support for Toxics Reform – Islamic View:

By Faraz Khan

Islam requires an ethical life with consideration for others. God is the Giver and Sustainer of all goods. The Quran declares, “He provides for you all that you ask for. But if you count the favors of God, never will you be able to number them” (14:34). An individual is obliged to God and fellow human beings to live a righteous life. The Quran confirms “God does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due. When you judge between two people, deal with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He gives you (4:58).

Humans are seen as being created “in the best of forms” (95:4) and honored by God as His vicegerent or stewards on this planet. However, this honor is attributed with a great responsibility and accountability to God. Any action away from the right path can be a cause for oppression. Thus, Quran declares that “whoever does an atom’s weight of good shall see it and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil shall see it” (99:7-8). The verse confirms the importance of moral obligation.

Social justice is central to Islamic teachings. Prophet Muhammad once declared, “Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one”. People asked, “O Messenger of God, We understand that an oppressed person should be helped but how can we help the oppressor?” The Prophet Muhammad replied “By preventing the oppressor from committing acts of injustice” (Sahih Bukhari 45:4). The Quran calls people to task by reminding them they should deal with others with care and humility as God has been good to them. It is a call to help alleviate pain and sufferings especially of the downtrodden and poor who are marginalized in their own society. It is a call to seek God by helping one’s brother, “do not forget your portion in this world but do good as God has been good to you and seek not mischief in the land. God does not love those who do mischief” (28:77). Thus according to the teachings of Islam, environmental justice and social equity is a sacred act that needs our immediate and utmost attention.

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Madagascar bird declared EXTINCT
Last seen 25 years ago, alaotra grebe.

It has been reported that introduction of non-native fish species and nylon nets led to the extinction of a water bird in Madagascar.

“Obviously the suspicion that it has disappeared has been there for some time,” said Martin Fowlie, a spokesman for BirdLife, compiler of the “Red List” of threatened bird species.

99 Names of Allah by Faraz Khan

Audio: Planting Figs & Olives in this Land (((audio))) 14 min.
By Faraz Khan

Lawrenceville, NJ – A talk on tafsir of Surah al-Teen.

5 Axioms of a Beautiful Conversation – (((audio)))- Darul Islah Khutba, Teaneck, NJ By Faraz Khan.

1. Think of others as Partners

2. Listen Attentively

3. KISS – Keep it Short & Sweet

4. Think Before You Speak

5. Lose an Argument but don’t lose a Friend

Arabic Calligraphy from Targum Editor on Vimeo.

New: Liberal Arts Forum youtube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/Liberalartsforum

Enjoy!

These videos have been made possible by iphone – Thank God for these Gadgets!

9:24

1. Priorities of a Muslim Community 1/3

9:46

2. Building Islamic Institutions of Learning in the West

6:40

Family First by Faraz Khan – 1/3

Reflections on 7 principles of Love as referenced by Imam al-Ghazali in Kimiya-e-Sa’adat.

Princeton University MSA Jumuah

speaker: Faraz Khan

The 21st Century Green Movement in Islam

Khutbah and Presentation on Islamic Environmental Ethics

Description

Inshallah, Faraz Khan will present…

1. the Khutbah (at 1:15pm, @The Islamic Center at NYU, 371 6th Avenue, Basement Level (St. Joseph’s Church), New York, NY 10014)

2. Lecture on Islamic Environmentalism (at 7pm, @Kimmel Rm. 803) .

Do you ever look at other faith communities and think why the Muslim community can’t be organized in the same way? Why do our communities feel so disconnected?

Come learn how each and every one of us can help in building a strong community that we so desperately need.

While the event insha’Allah is free admission, we will be collecting donations for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Please bring any amount big or small to give to the cause. Insha’Allah the funds will be going to Islamic Relief.