6 Beautiful Examples of Bismillah Calligraphy, Complete Definition and Types

Dream – Writing calligraphy requires special skills and continuous practice. Calligraphy is a beautiful form of writing. This term is often used to refer to the beautiful Arabic writing. However, calligraphy is also often used to write Latin characters.

We often find calligraphy masterpieces in mosques. It is not uncommon to find calligraphy as decoration in a house. Arabic writings used as wall decorations in calligraphy art usually consist of verses from the Quran, including the phrase bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Here are some beautiful examples of bismillah calligraphy that you can imitate for practice or school assignments.

Understanding the Definition of Calligraphy Art

Calligraphy is the art of writing Arabic letters beautifully, including bismillah calligraphy. The arrangement of Arabic letters in bismillah calligraphy is made proportional with beautiful positions. The letters are combined into an interesting artistic unity. This artwork is easily found on the walls of Islamic places of worship.

Etymologically, calligraphy is derived from the Greek word 'kaligraphia' or 'kaligraphos'. This term is a combination of two words, 'kallos' which means beautiful and 'grapho' which means writing. The term calligraphy has two elements, writing and beauty.

Meanwhile, in Arabic, calligraphy is known as 'khatt' which means basic lines, hand strokes, or pen writing. Thus, calligraphy or khatt is beautiful writing that is rich in aesthetic value.

As it developed, calligraphy became a separate science about writing techniques, studying language signs, obtained proportionally and harmoniously, and can be enjoyed visually through artistic work.

Various Types of Arabic Calligraphy Art

As an art form, calligraphy consists of various types with their own characteristics and features. According to Sirojuddin, Arabic calligraphy art is divided into several types:

1. Khatt Tsulust
2. Khatt Naskhi
3. Khatt Kufi
4. Khatt Riq’ah
5. Khatt Ijazah
6. Khatt Diwani
7. Khatt Diwani Jali
8. Khatt Farisi

The Virtue of Reciting Bismillah in Daily Life

Bismillah calligraphy is the most frequently encountered form of art. This is not without reason, because the phrase bismillah is a fragment of a verse that has many virtues.

Reciting bismillah before starting any work will become a prayer that smooths all affairs. Every Muslim is recommended to recite bismillah before performing any activity. This phrase holds many blessings and virtues, including the following:

1. As a Barrier to Satan

Satan always tempts humans to deviate from God's rules and prohibitions. To avoid Satan's temptations, we should recite Bismillah before engaging in any activity. Reciting bismillah can create a barrier between humans and Satan. As a result, Satan will not be able to disturb any good activities that will be carried out. 

From Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad said, "Every important matter that is not started with 'bismillahirrahmanir rahiim', the blessings of that deed will be cut off." (HR. Al-Khatib)

2. Self-Protection While Sleeping

Reciting bismillah and prayers before sleeping is believed to be a powerful mantra to protect oneself from satanic disturbances during sleep. As conveyed by Imam Muhammad Nawawi Al-Jawi, quoting Imam Ahmad As-Showi in his book Kasyifatussaja.

"Among the privileges possessed by basmalah, when someone recites it 21 times before sleeping, then on that night he will be saved from satanic disturbances, theft, sudden death, and other disasters."

3. Preventing Calamities

One of the important virtues of reciting bismillah is that it can prevent us from calamities. We only seek help and protection from Him.

From Ali bin Abi Thalib, the Prophet Muhammad once said, "O Ali, would you like me (Muhammad) to teach you a sentence to face disaster?" Ali then agreed. The Prophet continued his saying, "If you face a disaster, say: bismillahirrahmanirrahim wa la haula wala quwwata illa billahil 'aliyyil adhim. Surely, with that sentence, Allah will remove any disaster that He wants." (Imam Nawawi)

Examples of Bismillah Calligraphy

The explanation above provides us with an understanding of why the phrase bismillah is often used as a fragment of a verse for calligraphy art. If you are learning to write bismillah calligraphy, you can imitate the following examples. Of course, writing bismillah calligraphy is also rewarding if it is intended for worship, because all worldly work, if intended to worship Allah, will be rewarded.

Let's check out the collection of bismillah calligraphy images below!

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Bismillah Calligraphy

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Bismillah Calligraphy

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