The Hilya Sharif: A Legacy of Love and Reverence in Islamic Calligraphy

Goldframer

24 Apr 2024 — 5 min read

Hilya Sharif by Hafiz Osman

In the rich tapestry of Islamic culture and tradition, the Hilya Sharif emerges as a profound emblem of devotion and reverence. Translated as "the Noble Description," the Hilya Sharif focuses on the textual portrayals of Prophet Muhammad's physical appearance and character, a practice deeply rooted in the Islamic tradition of expressing love and respect for the Prophet without depicting his physical form. This unique aspect of Islamic art beautifully illustrates the community's dedication to embodying the Prophet's virtues while adhering to the respectful tradition of avoiding his pictorial representation.

The origins of the Hilya Sharif can be traced back to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. These individuals, who shared a close personal bond with the Prophet, meticulously recorded and transmitted detailed accounts of his appearance, mannerisms, and the essence of his character. These descriptions, rich in detail and affection, laid the foundation for the Hilya tradition. Over centuries, these narratives were not merely preserved in text but were elevated to an art form through the exquisite craft of Islamic calligraphy.

The Hilya typically encompasses several key elements, each serving to evoke a different aspect of the Prophet’s character and spirituality. At the heart of the Hilya lies the description of the Prophet's physical appearance, often encapsulated in a circular or central panel. This is surrounded by various attributes of his character, virtues, and selected incidents from his life that highlight his compassion, leadership, and devotion to Allah. The outer parts of the Hilya are adorned with Qur'anic verses and prayers for the Prophet, further enriching the spiritual tapestry of the artwork. This layout represents the reverence Muslims hold for the Prophet and serves as a meditative tool, guiding the observer towards contemplation and emulation of his virtues.

The transformation of these descriptions into artistic masterpieces began to notably flourish in the 17th century Ottoman Empire. It was during this era that the Hilya found its definitive artistic expression, particularly through the contributions of Hafiz Osman, a seminal figure in Ottoman calligraphy. His work established the aesthetic and structural norms for Hilya design—centralizing the Prophet’s attributes and surrounding them with Quranic verses in elaborate calligraphic designs. This layout mirrored the spiritual centrality of the Prophet Muhammad in Islam, making each piece a window into the soul of Islamic devotional practices.

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A typical Hilya Sharif consists of several key elements, arranged in a specific layout that is both aesthetically pleasing and symbolically rich:

The Basmala: At the top of the Hilya, the phrase "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim" ("In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful") is usually written, serving as a blessing and a reminder of God's presence and mercy.
A Large Central Panel: This is the heart of the Hilya, containing the textual description of the Prophet Muhammad. The description often includes details about his physical appearance (like his face, hair, and stature) and his moral and behavioral qualities (such as his generosity, bravery, and kindness). These descriptions are primarily derived from hadiths, reports about the sayings and actions of the Prophet.

As reported by his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib:

“The Prophet was neither excessively tall nor extremely short. He was of medium height. His hair was neither curly nor wavy. It was not too curly nor was it straight. It was both curly and wavy. His face was not swollen or meaty. It was fairly round. His mouth was white. He had black eyes that were large with long lashes. His joints were rather large. He had little hairs that stood up, extending from his chest down to his navel, but the rest of his body was almost hairless. He had thick palms and thick fingers and toes. When walking, he lifted his feet off the ground as if he were walking in muddy water. When he turned, he turned completely. The Seal of Prophethood was between his shoulders. That was the sign of the fact that he was the last Prophet.”

The Names of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs: Surrounding the central panel, smaller panels or sections might contain the names of the first four caliphs of Islam - Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Their inclusion signifies the continuity of the Prophet's legacy through his closest companions.
Qur'anic Verses and Prayers: Often, verses from the Qur'an that highlight the Prophet Muhammad's exalted status in Islam, such as Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse, 2:255) or other verses praising his character, are included. Additionally, prayers for sending blessings upon the Prophet (Salawat) might be featured, encouraging the reader or viewer to engage in this meritorious act.
Artistic Embellishments: The text is usually adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy, geometric patterns, arabesques, and sometimes floral motifs. The artistry involved in creating a Hilya is highly regarded, and the best examples are considered masterpieces of Islamic calligraphy and decoration.
The Seal or Signature of the Artist: Many Hilyas include the calligrapher's or artist's seal, adding a personal touch and authenticity to the artwork.
Protective Enclosure: Traditionally, Hilyas were kept in protective cases or covers and were sometimes hung on walls in homes, mosques, or other places of significance to serve as reminders of the Prophet's exemplary life and to bring blessings to the space.

Beyond its historical and aesthetic value, the Hilya Sharif holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. Displaying a Hilya in one's home is believed to bring blessings and peace, serving as a constant reminder of the Prophet's exemplary virtues. The tradition of creating and venerating the Hilya Sharif underscores a universal symbol of love and respect for the Prophet Muhammad, a sentiment that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

Today, the Hilya Sharif stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Islamic art and spirituality. It exemplifies how art can serve as a bridge to the divine, inviting believers to reflect upon the character and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. As it continues to inspire and guide the faithful, the Hilya Sharif remains a beacon of devotion, beautifully intertwining the threads of art, history, and spiritual reflection in the fabric of Islamic culture.