Golden Words

This piece reads 

 لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ‎ 

This piece is inspired  by the Ayah Surah Al Rahman

وَالنَّجْمُ وَالشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَانِ

And the stars and the trees both prostrate.The first part of the Shahada is written in a unique Diwani Jaly Musalsal form in the shape of a leaf. This style is a signature of Shahryanshah Sirajuddin. He is a pioneer in this unique  approach, which serves both an esthetic purpose as well as a deeper spiritual meaning. The masalsal or intertwined and unbroken chain represents the importance and the power of declaring the oneness of Allah. In addition, it represents an unending  supplication by the artist; may we never leave this testament, and may it be a never-ending reality in our lives and on our tongues from birth until death.

The circular form embodies the second part of the Shahada:

مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ

‎ It encorporates various symbolic forms such as the star from Surah Al Rahman. At the same time, it represents a flower that is often used as a symbol for the Prophet ﷺ as it was narrated that he ﷺ had a scent as fragrant as a rose. The 5 pointed star within the flower signifies the pillars of Islam brought to us by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The first part of the Shahada is in the form of a leaf while simultaneously taking the shape of a crescent. The Arabic word for crescent, هلال which consists of four letters which add up to the number 66 in the abjediya letters حروف الابجدية.  This same number is a common method of symbolism often used to represent Allah as the same letters are present in الله and also add up to 66.The circular form of the flower symbolises the Messenger  ﷺ who came to bring the final message and completed his mission: Islam. The circular form illustrates the complete religion. In addition, the artists wanted to convey the imagery of the moon and the sun in this circular form, to which the Prophet's  ﷺ beauty was repeatedly.

The calligraphy is written in 24k gold to represent the value of these golden words in the life of a Muslim.

أن من قال: لا إله إلا الله صدقًا من قلبه دخل الجنة

Whoeverer says these words with sincerity in his/her heart enters paradise.

 Shahryanshah Sirajuddin has included another unique feature in this piece, which appears as a 3D optical illusion. The shading technique used by the artist creates depth. As such, the circle appears like a dome when viewed from the side. The rationale behind this feature is that Islam and the Prophet ﷺ are like a dome that came protect us. As long as we remain under the dome of Islam and the message of Allah ﷻ and his Prophet ﷺ , we will be safe.

The second optical illusion can be seen in the words 

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ

The words appear to be floating off the page to represent bringing our religion to the forefront of our lives and proudly living as Muslims.

The artist intended for the floating imagery of these words to convey a freedom and weightlessness in the words which represents the ease of sharing the message of these golden words.