Faraz Khan with Sofia and her dad, 2013 Communiversity, Princeton, NJ
Many communities have preserved their identity and a narrative through art. Indeed many would agree that promoting Islamic Art portrays a positive image of the American Muslim community. Art facilitates conversation and breaks down barriers. In the past, American Muslims have been building mosques, Islamic schools, expanding their parking lots, installing taller minarets, building social welfare programs, interfaith seminars and slowly integrating into the political arena. Many would voice their opinions about how we could address the dominant negative discourse in the media about American Muslims. It is remarkable how contrary to the media reports, American Muslims have been on the receiving end of a phantom jihad. Whether it was an interfaith seminar or planning board meetings, American Muslims narrative would start from a denial, “We are Not …” fill in the blank, rather than an affirmation of a positive identity.
Changing the Narrative: Islamic Art
Some American Muslims might be skeptical about advancing the Islamic art cause. What is the benefit of advancing “Islamic art” as opposed to all forms of art? I summarize my argument with the following:
Identity – Islamic art gives a strong presence of majestic and beautiful work. Historically, no other art form could serve as more precious and authentic representation of the American Muslim community, period.
Diversity – Islamic art is not a monolithic ideal. It is an appreciation of diversity of land, people, ethnicity, religion, languages. The Sini Arabic calligraphy in China and the Andalusi Arabic calligraphy from Spain are authentic expressions of unity and pluralistic value under Islamic art.
Position – Islamic art prioritize aesthetics. It grounds us to not appreciate beauty but gives us a paradigm to beautify the world. It grounds us in understanding reality and avoiding absurdity.
Connection – Islamic art connects the East to the West. It connects us with a history, a memory of the past and true ideals for the future. It is not a postmodern art movement of a particular region or a period but a connected universal reality that is beyond geo-political boundaries.
Contribution & Legacy – Art and architecture is what individuals and communities leave behind to remind us of their priorities. What showcased the priority of Abraham to his progeny? Prayers, sacrifice, fasting all have a spiritual form but that which reminds us of Gods plan is the House of God in Mecca. Monuments and artwork educate people about the priority of their predecessors. Contrary to many puritanical views, Taj Mahal was not a waste of gold and white marble on a dead woman. It was an iconic display of love and affection that transcended time. Similarly, American Muslim contributions and legacy awaits these monumental works.