New
New
Year 4
Calligraphy and its importance to Muslims
I can explain why and how some Muslims use calligraphy.
New
New
Year 4
Calligraphy and its importance to Muslims
I can explain why and how some Muslims use calligraphy.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Calligraphy is decorative writing.
- It is often used by Muslims as a form of art.
- This is because Muslims believe that it is wrong to depict living beings.
- There are many great Muslim works of calligraphy.
Keywords
Calligraphy - a visual art related to writing
Haram - forbidden for Muslims
Figurative art - representing forms that are recognisably taken from life
Common misconception
Calligraphy is just pretty writing.
Calligraphy is an art form that communicates meaning.
Pupils should be taught how Muslims value the word of God, even when it is in printed or in written form. Muslim calligraphy should not be written over or disfigured, but can be coloured-in or decorated. Any printouts must be carefully handled, not thrown away or discarded - shred them if possible.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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5 Questions
Q1.
What is the word for God in Islam?
Qur’an
Shahadah
Q2.
Where do Muslim go to join together in worship?
a church
a synagogue
Q3.
What word in Islam means 'fasting'?
Shahadah
Salat
Q4.
What word in Islam refers to the statement of faith?
Sawm
Salat
Q5.
Who was the final prophet in Islam?
Adam
Jesus
Exit quiz
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5 Questions
Q1.
Which of these keywords means 'the art of beautiful writing'?
script
figurative art
Q2.
Art that shows recognisable human people or animals is called ...
abstract art.
modern art.
calligraphic art.
Q3.
Where might you see examples of Muslim calligraphy?
in a synagogue
Q4.
What word means 'forbidden' in Islam?
prohibited
halal
Q5.
Why do many Muslims regard figurative art as haram?
animals are too complex to draw
it would be distracting to have them in a mosque