Sacred Symbols in Islam: Beyond the Fear

 
A visual and spiritual guide to the Qur’anic language of shapes

1. The Circle (الدائرة) – Unity & Eternity

  • Meaning: The circle represents Tawhid (Oneness of God), infinity, and the cosmic order.

  • Qur’anic Connection: “He is the First and the Last, the Outward and the Inward.” (57:3)

  • Islamic Use: The Kaaba is circumambulated in circles; the heavens are described as orbits (falak).

2. The Triangle (المثلث) – Ascent & Divine Order

  • Meaning: The base represents creation and multiplicity, the apex points to Allah’s Oneness.

  • Qur’anic Connection: Faith (iman), action (‘amal), and knowledge (‘ilm) form the threefold path to divine closeness.

  • Islamic Use: Many Qur’anic supplications and Imamic prayers follow threefold rhythms (e.g., SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar).

3. The Square (المربع) – Balance & Justice

  • Meaning: Stability, the four elements, the four directions.

  • Qur’anic Connection: “We have set up the balance (mīzān) so that you may not transgress.” (55:7-8)

  • Islamic Use: The Kaaba itself is a cube, grounding heaven on earth.

4. The Star (النجم) – Guidance & Light

  • Meaning: The radiance of divine guidance shining into the world.

  • Qur’anic Connection: “By the star when it descends, your companion has not strayed…” (53:1-2)

  • Islamic Use: The five-pointed star reflects the five pillars or the Ahlul Kisa (AS).

5. The Vesica Piscis (التداخل) – Union & Creation

  • Meaning: Two circles overlapping, symbolizing heaven meeting earth, or the seen and unseen.

  • Qur’anic Connection: “It is He who merges the two seas, one fresh, one salty…” (25:53)

  • Islamic Use: Represents the womb of creation, where opposites meet in harmony.

6. The Hexagon (المسدس) – Harmony & Divine Names

  • Meaning: Six directions (N, S, E, W, above, below), pointing to Allah’s encompassing knowledge.

  • Qur’anic Connection: The creation of the heavens and earth in six days (7:54).

  • Islamic Use: Geometry in Islamic art often begins with the hexagon as a base grid.

7. The Spiral (اللولبي) – Journey & Growth

  • Meaning: The path of life, constantly returning to the center yet expanding outward.

  • Qur’anic Connection: “You shall surely ride stage after stage.” (84:19)

  • Islamic Use: Sufi whirling and calligraphy echo this spiral motion toward the Divine.

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