D I V I N E P A T T E R N S

B Y S A B A R I F A T

SHAPES AND MATHEMATICAL FORMS SEEN IN ISLAMIC GEOMETRY ARE NOT JUST FOR APPEARANCE SAKE BUT HAVE A QUALITATIVE AND SYMBOLIC PURPOSE ECHOING UNITY.

Islamic patterns reflect a Divine message transcending time and place based on the shared principles of proportion, balance, and harmony that govern Creation.

Creation (i.e. natural world, solar system) is an objective and permanent Truth that all of humanity share. The natural world’s display of visual geometry, can be seen from the structure of plants, flowers, growth forms (spirals, nautilis shells), human proportion, and to planetary systems. For example the structure of a snowflake or a beehive, exhibits an underlying hexagonal structure, since beginning of time, and will continue to do so for till the end of time.

The Greek philosopher Plato said ‘Geometry is study of the eternally existent’ and is basis of shape and form…

My patron, HRH Prince Charles, gave me an invaluable opportunity to understand traditional artisans of past and gain knowledge in the underlying principles employed in their craftsmanship.

When I begin to draft a new pattern I draw a central circle from a dot, using a compass, a circle being a symbol of unity I am beginning a journey that is inexplicably linked with Creation. I participate, and merely act as a tool using this traditional knowledge and skill, in this universal process to produce these beautiful geometric patterns.

Plato said ‘Beauty is the splendour of the Truth”. This succinctly describes this spiritual connection, between art and Creation.

Sufi doctrine eloquently expresses the universal concept of Unity, within sacred art, that such art essentially transcends external forms to reach Oneness (translated as Tawhid in Arabic).

I appreciate and assimilate this concept of Unity when I subdivide a circle and it begins to reveal polygons such as triangles, square, hexagons and octagons. Through further development, tessellation, duplication, and interlacing produces highly sophisticated, intricate and abstract patterns so diverse yet connected to the primary circle drawn.

The surface decoration of Islamic architecture with calligraphy, geometric patterns and arabesque forms is not superficial in its use of patterns. It is a manifestation of a higher order of being – it is cosmetic or rather ‘cosmic-like’ in the true sense of the word. The architect consciously reflects the forms, patterns and rhythms he sees around him in nature, thus confirming that his work does not stand separately but as part of God’s creation on earth.

The aesthetics of sacred patterns structurally and philosophically convey an appreciation, remembrance and symbolism of Divine Creation consciously or subconsciously.