The Qur’an was verbally revealed by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel and recorded textually over a period of roughly 23 years. Its beginnings, estimated to trace back to 609 CE allow us the understanding of how long the sacred text of Islam has persisted. Not only does the Qur’an serve as a guide for both spiritual and moral living, but it also delves deep into the concept of beauty as inherent in the world and its creatures created by Allah. Through its verses, also referred to as ayahs, the Qur’an articulates various dimensions of beauty, however there is a notable focus on rational beauty in being more profound than sensory beauty. For example, many verses within the text proclaim the goodness of Allah’s creations, whether the creations in question be man or the world is in many cases open to interpretation. “He who has made everything which He has created most good: He began the creation with nothing more than clay”. This verse in particular highlights the significance of beauty in the Qur’an’s philosophy, the use of the term “most good” expressing beauty in Arabic. Both the notion of creation by Allah and inherent goodness are central themes in understanding beauty ideals as displayed through the Qur’an.
As a result of these themes, beauty based on general appearance is not explicitly discussed. That being said, the significance of traditional Islamic traits such as symmetry are. For example as seen in mosques, such as The Great Mosque of Cordoba. Symmetry and equality emerge as fundamental principles of beauty in the Qur’an, culminating back at the source that is rational beauty. Rational beauty in the context of the Qur’an is defined as virtues, morals, and goodness. This rational beauty emphasizes the importance of coherence and compatibility among all Allah’s creations.
The Qur’an as a textual source can be identified as a globally significant exchange of beliefs and values both within and beyond the context of beauty. After the death of Muhammad and the completion of the sacred Islamic text, Islam spread throughout the Caliphates. The spread of classic Arabic and linguistic styles observed in the Qur’an, intellectual developments through learning centres at places such as Baghdad and Cordoba, and cultural unity through Islamic art and architecture are all examples of the Qur’an’s impacts on global connections in the pre-modern era.
Ultimately the Qur’an’s enduring relevance continues to inspire and enlighten individuals across cultures and generations, reinforcing the need for understanding and appreciation of beauty in all its forms. Through its teachings, the Qur’an remains a source of guidance and enlightenment for Muslims and a source for consistently evolving global connections in the modern era.
