An Epistemological Study of Art and Islamic Aesthetics based on the Quran and Sunnah

Man has always hoped that one day he would reach his true place as promised in the Qurʾān. To this end, among all the ways, he chose [the path of] art and beauty. In traversing this path, the Qurʾān and the Sunnah were guides for the Muslim artist. He was loyal to the only ideals, namely the spirit of the Qurʾānic teachings, the expression of divine unity, and the divine aspects of humankind. This article seeks to answer the following questions: how much is Islamic art and the principles of aesthetics that rule over it influenced by the Qurʾān and Sunnah? And where should we look for the source of inspiration for the artist in his artistry? This paper actually seeks out the ontology of Islamic art by referring to the Qurʾān and Sunnah. The results of this research show that in Islamic art, the one who is in the position of the Eternal Designer is none other than God Himself. In Islamic art, the Qurʾān and the Sunnah are considered wellsprings for the discovery of the inner mystery present in objects and forms. According to this author, beauty and artistry in Islamic art and in the eyes of the Muslim artist, as a result of his own passion and beauty, is his source of inspiration from the text governing this beauty, meaning the Qurʾān and the Sunnah of the Prophet (s) and Imams (a). Additionally, the Islamic imagery and architecture are based on the aesthetic outlook inspired by these two spiritual texts (the Qurʾān and traditions of the Prophet and the Imams).