Depiction of Allah S.W.T or his prophet Muhammad S.A.W are forbidden to the Islamic world. This is why Muslims use calligraphic art instead of actual drawings or paintings to represent their names. Such inscriptions are normally in Arabic, and may rearrange or repeat forms.
Allah S.W.T is used by both Arabs and non-Arabs as a term for God by Muslims. Humble submission to his will, divine ordinances and commandments is the pivot of the Muslim faith.
“He is the only God, creator of the universe, and the judge of humankind. He is unique (Waḥid) and inherently one (Aḥad), all-merciful and omnipotent.”
Muslims believe that there are 99 names of Allah S.W.T (al-asmā’ al-ḥusná – ‘the best names’ or ‘the most beautiful names’), each of which evoke a distinct characteristic of Allah S.W.T. Among the 99 names of God, the most famous and most frequent of these names are “The Merciful” (ar-Rahman) and “the Compassionate” (ar-Raḥim).
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W was born in Makkah in the year 570. He is believed by Muslims to be the last in a long line of prophets that includes Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) A.S.
At the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad S.A.W received his first revelation from God through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) A.S. The revelations continued for 23 years, and they are collectively known as the Holy Quran.
After the Holy Qur’an, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (hadith) and descriptions of his way of life (sunna) are the most important Muslim texts.
Note:
(سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) S.W.T – “May He be praised and exalted”
(صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) S.A.W – Blessings of Allah S.W.T be upon him as well as peace.
عليه السلام A.S – Peace be upon him.
