Explore Islamic arts such as calligraphy, architecture, arabesque design, and music.
In November 2008 the Museum of Islamic Arts officially opened in Doha, Qatar. This 35,500 square meter museum holds a large collection of Islamic art, as well as a library, atrium, education hall, and several restaurants. Designed by I.M. Pei, the Chinese-born creator of the Louvre pyramid, the stone-faced building is located on an artificial island facing the corniche of Doha, Qatar's capital city.
It might seem like an oxymoron... Muslims are usually seen as having no sense of humor, protesting or rioting at the slightest joke or perceived insult at their expense. However, there is a growing culture of "Muslim comedy" that you might not know about!
Despite varying religious opinions about the permissibility of music in Islam, there are many Muslim artists who have gained popularity with their interpretation of Islamic music, or nasheed. Many of these voice artists limit their use of musical accompaniment to drums only.
Graphic resources for enhancing Islamic publications, building Islamic websites, and more.
Create beautiful designs, web pages, and publications with these clip art resources. These CD's include Arabic calligraphy, geometrical patterns, photographs, patterns, borders, and symbols.
Identify the most popular Muslim artists, and learn more about the nature of Islamic music.
In 1978, pop artist Cat Stevens gave up super-stardom when he embraced Islam and became known as Yusuf Islam. His melodious voice carries on in his recordings of Islamic songs, known as nasheed.
Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens) has avoided the limelight, and has not performed his old songs publicly in over twenty years. That is, until The Concert for New York City following the 9/11 attacks, during which he offered a beautiful a cappella performance of his old hit song, "Peace Train."
Singing group Raihan has topped the charts in Malaysia, popular among both Muslim and non-Muslim listeners.
Official website of Sami Yusuf, internationally-acclaimed British Muslim musician.
Canadian Muslim singer Dawud Wharnsby Ali appeals to listeners both young and old, with catchy rhythms that are entertaining and soothing lyrics that inspire.
Online articles about past recipients, history of Islamic architecture, and design elements.
Online gallery of art and archeology from the Muslim world. Includes pictures and descriptions various pieces of metalwork, glassware, and ceramics.
History of the Arabic alphabet.
Approaching graphic arts from an Islamic angle.
Beautiful and informative site with pictures and history of Islamic architecture, calligraphy, coins, and rugs.
Gallery of Islamic calligraphy done on various types of wood and stained glass. Available for purchase from Canada.
Essay discussing the relationship between Islamic art and the principles of Islam.
Islamic cross-stitching patterns and samples.
Archives of articles from the annual journal of Islamic Art and Architecture,
Muqarnas.
Bibliography of resources (400+ pages!), compiled by professors at Harvard University. Broken up into sections for easy browsing.
The official website of Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam -- includes updates on his latest work, links to his charitable and humanitarian causes, and more.
