The calligraphy in this artwork reads:
سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظي
This translates to: "Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him, Glory be to Allah the Almighty." This is a well-known dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that carries great reward. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged frequent recitation of these words as they are light on the tongue but heavy in reward.
Specs:
- Nastaleeq script
- Geometric patterns
- Raised texture
- 40x50x4cm
About the Artists
Muhammad Waqas and Sameera are self-taught artists. Their journey became more dedicated in 2019 when friends began commissioning their work. Since then, they have exhibited across New Zealand, including at the country's Parliament House, where their painting “51 – Love, Peace & Unity” received national recognition in 2020. They also collaborated with the New Zealand Post to create the first-ever Islamic representation on collectable stamps and served as Muslim artist ambassadors for Lake House Art Centre in 2023. Additionally, they worked with Ruth Robertson-Taylor on the mural Weaving Hope.
Their work focuses on Arabic calligraphy, a form of remembrance and reflection. This ancient art blends tradition with modern elements such as fluid movements, balanced compositions, vivid colours, and abstract backgrounds. Inspired by the rich history and significance of Arabic, they create unique and meaningful pieces by merging traditional calligraphy with contemporary techniques.