The Silent Theology of Islamic Art

On December 17, 2017, Oludamini Ogunnaike gave a talk at Zaytuna College about how the art of Islamic Civilizations reflected the metaphysics and theology of Islam.
"[The creative masterpieces of of Islamic civilization] communicate the beauty and truth of its revelation with a profound directness simply unmatched by articles or books about Islam. One of the many curious aspects of contemporary times provides proof: despite the dissemination of virulent propaganda against Islam in the West, many people from Western societies queue for hours to admire the architecture of the Alhambra in Spain and the Taj Mahal in India as well as exhibitions of Islamic calligraphy and miniature paintings, and to attend sold-out concerts of traditional Islamic music. This is due to another paradox: these most tangible and outward manifestations of the Islamic tradition represent its most subtle, inward, and essential realities. Hence, it seems it is better to show than to tell."
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Website: renovatio.zaytuna.edu

[@aal-e-ahmadhussain3123]

“Indifference to beauty is indifference to the Divine.”

[@itsamaniarts]

This is exactly what I was looking for! I think this is such an interesting way of looking at Islamic Art that I haven't yet seen through my limited search. I'm very thankful to have come across such a wonderful talk. Jazahkala'Khair 🙏🏾

[@clairehaney502]

I'm tasked with writing a single page paper on an aspect of Islamic Civilization. I picked "Imagery of Allah" as my topic, and this lecture provides an essential source, along with a gorgeous dive into Islamic art. I located Oludamini Ogunnaike's article and I am overjoyed. I hope he is having a generous Ramadan!

[@taufikdarus]

Oludamini Ogunnaike is great for exposing Islamic Art. jazakaLLOH Zaytuna college for presenting the programme

[@beenaawan3632]

I keep coming back tooth's after every few days, his work is amazing. Thank you for introducing me to it.

[@RenovatioJournal]

Glad you enjoy it! You can find more of his work on our website: Renovatio.zaytuna.edu

[@chehusnaazhari1003]

I heard of the principles of his eloquent lecture from the work of the late Prof Ismail Faruqi and Lamya Faruqi.
Beautiful presentation..no ihsan without husn..

[@estilo4276]

Oludamini and Zaytuna barakallahfikum

[@alphanemo6121]

This is first rate lecture

[@bekindandmerciful5145]

Wonderful. His words are well researched and he is eloquent

[@818nightowl]

Beautiful.

[@mohdtarmizi238]

SubhanaAllah

[@AbdullahAzrael]

Wow that is so true Masha Allah😊

[@JayaShiva]

Phenomenal talk. Important humanistic values clarified.

[@RenovatioJournal]

You may enjoy his essay:renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/the-silent-theology-of-islamic-art

[@selehadinali7958]

Wonderful work !

[@user-bk6ms6tl2s]

This is insanely eye opening!

[@RenovatioJournal]

Great!

[@quackquack2436]

5:19
6:17
14:30
18:00 calligraphy and architecture
even poems and music are made following those mathematical proportions
22:15

[@leebarry5686]

But to be able to understand Quran text is the necessary condition to get a clear grasp of Islamic art .

[@missAnniething]

His speech was appealing about Islamic art but I think it.should never be considered as crucial to Islamic practice. At the core of Islam, we find universality and simplicity which is devoid of any man made art and culture. It doesn't require any subjectivity. Besides, I have heard of the Ahadith in which Prophet Pbuh himself regarded the decorations or pictures as distraction.