Kufi Kufi Rhapsody

I-Deen Magazine

2011-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/217813

As Shahadah

2011-06-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

This was a reaction of a fan at Saatchi On-Line when a blessing was at sight...

ed verf : Johan Anthierens Aula K.U. Leuven 1976 No God No Masters ni maitre ni dieu ... Johan Anthierens .... "Niemands meester, Niemands knecht!" No God No Masters, الله لا لا الماجستير , Geen God No Masters , Nuk ka zot Masters , Ոչ Աստված ոչ Masters, No, No Masters Allah, No God Masters Ez, Няма Бога, няма гаспадароў, Не Бог Не Мастърс ", o hi ha Déu mestres, 没有上帝没有大师，沒有上帝沒有大師，Nema Boga Nema Masters, Ne
ed verf, Have a blessing today, &...properly say these words.
1. "Ashadu Allah ila Ha 'Il Allaho, Wa, Ashadu Anna Muhammadur Rasulullah"

The Chinese Kufic

2011-05-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

This furniture was found in an affluent Malaysian family house. It was made of a very heavy Rose wood with a typical Chinese design for a chair. What so interesting about it was the fabric, where there were various Chinese lettering with Kufic styles in it. It was a wonder about which one came first, the Arabic Kufic or the Chinese and how the two cultures had influenced each other to make up a Kufi square.

This was another fabric design on another furniture. Because the author do not know Chinese language he is leaving it to you to find out the exact meaning of the words written here.

For more information about Kufi, please check this link; http://www.kufic.info

Salam (Peace)

2011-02-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

Title: Salam (Peace). 40 X 40". Acrylic on Linen.

This piece of painting went through competitive period and survived the Work Of Art Contest conducted through Facebook in the second week of January 2011.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=133960533334716&set=t.1056024953&pid=231063&id=100001623108676

Art is...

2010-12-20T01:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.carandache.ch/m/les-instruments-d-ecriture-et-accessoires/les-pieces-d-exception/collection-artistes/kufi-art/index.lbl?show=1

‎"Art is

the ultimate expression of

the human soul.

It tells of tales

Long past and dreams

yet to be realized.

It breathes joy and Love,

and tears,

sadness and tragedies.

Most important of all

it Inspires".

Shukor Yahya

Kufi Kufi Ideas Worths Sharing

2010-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

An Idea for Kufi Kufi Hedges in Putra Jaya by Tahir Haron, Melbourne. Kufi by Shukor Yahya, Kuala Lumpur.

An Idea for an important Sculpture.

2010-12-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

An Idea for a Kufi Kufi sculpture by Tahir Haron, Melbourne. Kufi by Shukor Yahya, Kuala Lumpur.

A Kufi Kufi Font Chart

2010-12-02T01:44:00.000-08:00

The FoKS

2010-11-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

Satu Malaysia. 50 x 50". Acrylic on Linen.

The world of art needs Shukor Yahya as much as he needs it too. Paving the path for other kufi kufi artists not just in Malaysia but also in the world whom he calls them FoKS a short form for 'Friends of Kufi Square' whom he met and coached through online Kufi Kufi lesson he conducted informally through the internet.

The relationships he established through the on-line connections entails engendering the spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie among his contemporaries.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079004&id=1056024953

It is no coincidence, then, that the squarish-swirling wordings of a kufi artwork resembles a maze, for in

the perpetual search for canvas utopia, Shukor Yahya sees it imperative that his masterpieces contain all the elements necessary for them to be important and contributing to the betterment of humanity. Especially in his home country.

Rukun Negara (A National Principles)

50 X 50"

Acrylic on Canvas

In the process, he also faces the task of connecting the pieces of the puzzle while weaving his way through the intricate labyrinth that life’s challenges present.

A Preamble towards remembrance of God

5O x 50 "

Acrylic on Canvas

The S2A Group.

2010-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Supplicate;

I am seeking protection from God against the God damn satan.

Beginning this weekend in early November 2010 I have been included into the S2A Group of international artists who dedicates their work in Geometric forms. Thank you Stephane Hirschi (France) who invited me into this elite group which also include Dr Mike Trembley (the UK) who gave me a warm welcome message.

In the name of allah the Most Gracious and Most Merciful

50X 50" Acrylic on Linen

Personally Ifeel honoured to be included in the group because it seems to me that I am the only one who represent Asia and the youngest member in the list too.

Well, frankly though, I am not that young in age but my mind tells me at 57 I am not going to call it a retirement. No, not yet.

With full of excitement and zeals I hope to make my life more beneficial to humanity by producing something important through art together with this group.

Although I haven't gone through each and every links of the members provided in the blog http://simpleabstract.blogspot.com/, but by a glance I knew that most of us have something in common. A Geometrical minds.

I sincerely hope this particular direction I am embarking in art would gives some lights to many of us. It is not my intention to intimidate anybody whosoever who believe otherwise. In case you are not comfortable with the messages that comes out of my works, just ignore it for peace sake. Will you?

I am doing it because I am a Muslim Artist from Malaysia who love mankind. Through out the history of my country we always

foster good relationships with everybody. Believe me, being in a country which is truly Asia in spirit. I also have a lot to offer for the world.

A Kufisia flag in Kufi Kufi.

45 x 45"

Acrylic on Linen

Patriot

2010-10-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Prints Exhibition

(19-23rd. October, '10)

Level 4, Putera World Trade Center,

Kuala Lumpur

The Critic's says

2009-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

AlAmbya (the prophets): 87

Feb, ’09. Size 40” X 40”.

Medium: Mixed medium on Linen.

Meaning of ayat:

And (remember) Dhun-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him! (i.e. the calamities which had befallen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta (non have the right to be worshipped but you, o Allah), Glorified (and exalted) be You (above all that evil they associated with you)! Truly I have been a wrongdoer.

Haffendi Anuar or Eddie is a graduate from Rhode Island School of Design near New York. He is a budding Art Critic in Malaysia and this is what he wrote about Shukor Yahya's work for a Qalam exhibition at Chandan Gallery, Damansara Height, Kuala Lumpur.

The assimilation of geometric abstraction and pop art into Islamic calligraphy works could be seen in Shukor Yahya’s. Yahya’s colorful, hard-edged square-kufic pieces use a centered composition that imitates fertile, overflowing arabesque designs.

The play of simple shapes and geometry transform the paintings into a visual delight displaying savvy design sensibilities and control. Yahya’s “restrained touch” differs greatly from the angst-fueled works of Din Mohammad’s, Ghani’s and Hourmain’s where expression is the main concern. His usage of Qur’anic http://www.quranflash.com/en/quranflash.html verses in his paintings hint of the traditional practice of Islamic calligraphy which was meant as a way to document specific verses from the Qur’an onto parts of architecture or objects for the purpose of contemplation or decoration.

In AlHadid : 8 aquamarine blue and dark violet background holds an orange-yellow abstract grouping of sentences from the Qur’an in a rigid centered composition framed in a square canvas. Small colorful primary and secondary colored squares and rectangles playfully dart in-and-out of the kufi maze, cryptic in its message to the lay-man, hinting at the esthetics of Egyptian hieroglyphs and the musical nature of Peat Mondrian’s mature paintings.

Al Hadid: 8. May, ’09. Size 40” X40”.

Medium: Mixed medium on Linen.

Meaning of ayat: And what is the matter with you that you believe not in Allah! While the Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W.) invites you to believe in your Lord (Allah); and He (Allah) has indeed taken your covenant, if you are real believers.

The work is like a melting pot of pop-culture and mystical influences, clearly demonstrating the modern inventiveness of his approach. He stated that his paintings are meant in a jovial nature, to allure viewers to the works for the purpose of contemplation and intimacy with the sacred.

For a full write up, please log on to: http://www.espifinearts.blogspot.com/

AlBaqarah: 267

Completed on 6^th June, 2009. 40 x 76 ½”. Mixed medium on Linen.

Meaning of ayat:

O you who believe! Spend on the good things you have legally earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it, save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is Rich (Free of all needs), and worthy of all praise.

Qalam

2009-07-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Surat Cinta (Love Letter), 1995

24cm X 16 cm, Etching.

Ahmad Khalid Yusof

(1934-1997)

Dr Suleiman Isa (1995) in his Art & Srirituality published by the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, wrote; in search of meaning and purpose in life many Muslim artists seeks to discover peace and certitude through Islam. For God is both the source of light and the truth.

Given the morally and spiritually corrosive influence of the postmodernist ethos, for many Malaysian Muslim artists, to render their art in the sevice of Islam, to integrate their artistic activities to their spirituality, indisputably becomes a most critical and challenging task.

Alif Lam Mim, 2003
Acrylic on Canvas.
Muhammad Din Muhammad
(1955-2007)

In tribute to the late Ahmad Khalid Yusof and Muhammad Din Muhammad, a group of artists consists of Yusof Ghani, Ahmad Zaki Anuar, Hussein Hourmain and Shukor Yahya are going to have their works exhibited along sides with the old masters', entitles Qalam on the 15th. August, at Chandan Gallery, Damansara Height, Kuala Lumpur, at 5pm.

Don't be late unless you are ready to miss your opportunity to own a state of the art Islamic calligraphy painted by contemporary painters from Malaysia. F&B will be served, so it'll be ok if you come hungry.

(Al Thalak or Divorce: 2-3)

aka. Ayat 1000 Dinar

March,’05. Size: 50” X 83”.

Medium: Emulsion on Canvas.

Shukor Yahya

www.kufikufi.com

Meaning of ayat:
And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out. And He provides him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things Allah appointed a due proportion.

Note; Whosoever recites this ayat at the break of down or at dusk God will make their business reaps big profit and their life will prosper.

AlFatihah (The Opening)

2009-06-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Charles Saatchi Dies. By Charles Saatchi.
2009, 71 X 99.
"I shot (with a gun) this portrait
after receiving some unexpected news."

Almost everyone in art communities knows Charles Saatchi. In case if you do not know this man you can read: Alison Fendley's (1995). Saatchi & Saatchi The Inside Story. Published by Arcade Publishing Inc. New York. He established the Saatchi Gallery in 1985 from a Boundary Road in St. John's Wood to Chelsea, London.

Today it is slowly building up a reputation and respect as a gallery to be observed by art enthusiasts around the world.

Recently Shukor Yahya was invited to post his works at Saatchi Online Gallery for the world to see, at: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile/Shukor+Yahya/109419.html.

To his surprise he received a personal e-mail from Charles Saatchi himself. Here is what he said;

"Hello,

Very happy to see your work on Saatchi Online.

I am thrilled that the standard is so high from such a variety

of artists and hope it will be interesting to gallery owners, exhibition curators and collectors to see such diverse work.

All my best,

Charles Saatchi"

According to Mark Rothko's (1903–70) statement that, 'If a thing is worth doing once, it is worth doing over and over again – exploring it, probing it, demanding by its repetition that the public look at it.'

Such ideas had already been integral to Shukor Yahya's works since he took up painting seriously since 1990s. He explored the concept of the series, which provided him with a discovered method of critical self-enquiry to color reactions to different background and as a way of investigating the continuing possibilities of painting the words of God as a form of reminder for the benefit of humanity because it is very important.

Quite frankly Mr Saatchi, with 85 completed masterpieces plus 15 more on the go, he is ever ready to lead a new direction and purpose in Art to rock the world in the name of civilization from inside or outside Chelsea, for God's sake.

P.S: Thank you very much for your e-mail. May you and your family - and the rest of the Saatchies be blessed with peace and eternal happiness. Ameen!

Painted in Oct. ’08. Size: 22” X 40”. Medium: mixed Media on Linen.

The meaning of surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening):

1. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

2.Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds.

3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

4. Master of the Day of Judgement;

5. You do we worship, and your aid we seek.

6. Show me the straight way;

7. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose portion will not wrath, and who not go astray.

Peace!

2009-04-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

Ya Sin ; 58.

Mixed media on linen. 20 X20" (April, 2009)

Meaning of ayat:

"Peace!" - a word (of salutation)

from a Lord Most Merciful!

Monotheism was introduced by all messengers

2009-01-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

Painted in 2008, entitled Al Alaq 1 & 8. Emulsion on Linen. Measures: 51 cm X 105.

The meaning of ayat Al Alaq 1 & 8: In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious, the most Merciful. 1. Read! In the name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). 2. He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). 3. Read! And your Loard is the Most Generous. 4. Who has taught the writing by pen. 5. He has taught man that which he he knew not. 6. Nay! verily, man does transgress (in disbelief and evil deed). 7. Because he consider himself self-sufficient. 8. Surely,unto your Lord is the return.

Charles is a new friend of Shukor Yahya, he is from Long Island, USA, the home to the late Jackson Pollock. He is an artist and a regular chatter at Saatchi Gallery Chat-Live. Last night both of them had a nice chat on line. He was not sure if Muhammad S.A.W. was a fighter, a prophet or an artist. Out of the whole world population only about 1/6 recognizes who Muhammad S.A.W. is.

Ever since people innovated the dogma of Shirk, (i.e. joining others in worship along with Allah), Allah had been sending Prophets and Messengers to His devotees in order to invite them to the worship of Allah alone, to order them not to ascribe partners unto Him and bring them out of the darkness of polytheism into the light of Monotheism.

All the Prophets preached Tauhid (i.e. Monotheism, the Belief in the Oneness of Allah, the Glorious, the Elevated). The following Verses from the Noble Qur'an illustrate this fact:

Painted in 2008, entitled Nuh: 5-11. Emulsion on Linen. Measures: 72 cm X 102 cm.

The meaning of ayat Nuh : 5 -11.

5. He said, O my Lord! I have called to my people night and day 6. But my call only increases (their) flight (from the Right). 7. And every time I have called to them, that you might forgive them, they have (only) thrusts their fingers through their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, grown obstinate, and given themselves up to arrogance. 8. So I have called them aloud; 9. Further I have spoken to them in public and secretly in private. 10. Saying, ask forgiveness from your lord; for He is Oft-Forgiving: 11. He will send rain to you in abundance.

"Indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he said: '0 my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha illallah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a great Day!" (V. 7:59).

"And to 'Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hud. He said: '0 my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha illallah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Will you not fear (Allah)?" (V. 7:65).

"And to the people of Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. He said: '0 my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha illallah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you, so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not make mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will be better for you, if you are believers.' " (V.7:85)

"And to Thamud (people, We sent) their brother Salih. He said: '0 my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha illallah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).' " (V. 7:73).

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): Worship Allah (Alone) and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)." (V. 16:36).

(1) The word Taghut covers a wide range of meanings: It means anything i.e., all the false deities worshipped other than the Real God (Allah). It may be Satan, devils, idols, stones, sun, stars, angels human beings e.g. 'Isa (Jesus), Messenger of Allah, who were falsely worshipped and taken as Taghut. Likewise saints, graves, rulers, leaders, are falsely worshipped, and wrongly followed.

Muhammad :7

Painted in 2008,

Emulsion on Linen.

Measures : 64 cm X 64 cm

The meaning of ayat Muhammad : 7

O you who believe! If you will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly.

Prophet was sent unto his own nation for their guidance, but the Message of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W., was general for all mankind and jinn. As in Surat Al-A'rdf (Allah addresses His Messenger S.A.W.):

"Say (0 Muhammad S.A.W.): '0 mankind: Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah." (V. 7:158).

So the aim of sending these Prophets and Messengers to men and jinn was only that they should worship Allah Alone, as Allah S.W.T. said:

"And I (Allah) created not the jinn and men except they should worship Me (Alone)" The Qur'an (V. 51:56).

And to worship Allah means to obey Him and to do all He has ordained, and to fear Him by abstaining from all He has forbidden.

Then those who will obey Allah will be rewarded in Paradise, and those who will disobey Him will be punished in the Hell-fire.

Supplification Painted in 2008, Emulsion on Linen. Measures 64 cm X 64 cm

The meaning: O lord, please accept us into paradise and save us from the fire of Hell.

All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the artist, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

Polytheism is not Monotheism

2009-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Al -Nahl:75 (2008). Emulsion on Linen. Size: 64 cm X 64 cm.

Meaning of ayat Al Nahl (Bees) : 75

“Praise be to Allah. But most of them understand not.”

Shirk and Kufr

POLYTHEISM AND DISBELIEF

One of many chatters whom Shukor Yahya knew from the Saatchi Gallery Chat Live at http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/ is Sentinel. When he first saw this blog-site he began to call Shukor an Islamist and sent words insulting him and Islam.

Accusing Shukor tried to lure him into terrorism and so on. Shukor was not bothered when his works and his personality were attacked but Sentinel's ignorance is actually driving himself into extreme peril without him realizing it. Surely there are billions of people like him out there who seriously needed helps and some divine lights.

O, by the way, this is Shukor Yahya's first painting in 2009. Entitles : Saba (Sheba): 41. Measures 64 cm X 64cm. Emulsion on Linen.

Meaning of ayat Saba (Sheba): 41:-

One Day He will gather them all together, and say to the angels,

“Was it you that these men used to worship?”

They will say, Glory to you! Our (tie) is with You-as Protector-not with them.

Nay, but they worshipped the Jinns:

most of them believe in them.”

Black and explosive red background were chosen to signify the new year celebrated with drops of bombs and innocents' bloods caused by the bloody brutal Israeli invasion in Gaza.

Following is an explanation to us by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali from Madinah Al Munawarah, Salvation of all mankind from the greatest sin against Allah.

I consider it essential to mention here some details of the greatest sin which will not be forgiven by Allah. This unpardonable sin is Shirk. Shirk implies ascribing partners to Allah or ascribing divine attributes to others besides Allah and believing that the source of power, harm and blessings comes from others besides Allah. Almighty Allah says:

"Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be ascribed to Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases; and whoever ascribes partners to Allah in worship, has indeed invented a tremendous sin."(V. 4:48).

Painted in 2008, entitled YaSin : 60

Emulsion on Linen. Measures 64 cm X 64 cm.

The meaning of ayat Yasin: 60

“Did I not enjoin on you, O you Children of Adam, that you should not worship satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed?”

Almighty Allah says:

"Then when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them on that Day, nor will they ask of one another." Then those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, — these are the successful.

"And those whose scales (of good deeds) are light, — they are those who lose their own selves in Hell will they abide."

"The Fire will bum their faces, and they will grin with displaced lips (disfigured)."

"(It will be said) 'Were not My Verses (this Qur'an) recited to you and then you used to deny them?'

"They will say: 'Our Lord! Our wretchedness overcame us and we were an erring people.

"Our Lord! Bring us out of this; if ever we return (to evil) then indeed we shall be Zalimuns (polytheists, oppressors, unjust, and wrongdoers).”

"He (Allah) will say: 'Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me!' (V. 23:101-108).

"And whoever invokes (or worships) besides Allah, any other ilah (god), of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kafirun (disbelievers in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, pagans, idolaters) will not be successful." (V. 23:117)

Painted in 2008, entitled Al Maidah : 116. Emulsion on Linen. Measures 64 cm X 64 cm.

The meaning of ayat Al-Maidah (The Table Spread): 116

And behold Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as god in derogation of Allah’?” He will say:Glory to You! Never could I say what I had no right (to say), Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in yours. For You know in full all that is hidden.

Kufi is a font

2008-12-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

This picture of 9th century Kufi Archaic on parchment, is a courtesy from Abdel Kadir and Muhammad Sijilmassi (2008), in their book entitled; The Splendour of Islamic Calligraphy. Published by Thames and Hudson: Printed in Italy.

Natasha is a new friend from the UK, last night she asked: How come there is no explanation about Kufi here? This question came timely as we are in the process of gathering data to write and have it posted. Now that somebody is asking, so here it is.

Arabic scripts have seven major typology, namely Kufi, thuluth, naskh, Andalusia Maghribi, riq’a, diwani and ta’liq (or farisi). Kufi is the earliest Arabic priestly font, which is named after a city of Kufah, in Iraq, established around 641 A.D. Here the font have been popularly used and went through refinements thus transforming it into an elegant script called Kufic or Kufi.

During the prophecy period of Muhammad (S.A.W.) since his forty years of age, he used to receive revelations from Allah S.W.T. through an angel names Jibrail. Because the prophet S.A.W. was illiterate, they were remembered and had it written down by his companions on animal hides, leaves, wooden pulps or whatever they could reach to write on. The style of writing then was Kufi.

The kind of Kufi they wrote was not similar to what you see in this site. According to Mamoun Sakkal (http://www.sakkal.com), Kufi has five catogaries: 1. Early Kufi. 2. Eastern Kufi. 3. Foliate Kufi. 4. Knotted Kufi. 5. Square Kufi.

In 13 century Baghdad and it surrounding territories were invaded by Kublai Khan and his armies, the population was reduced instantly. Properties were burnt to the ground. Books were thrown into rivers, changed the colour of the flowing river with blood and ink, red and black.

Courtesy of Mamoun Sakkal

According to an Arabic Prof. Thomas W. Arnold, from the University of London, (2006 ), in his book entitled; The spreading of Islam in the world through peaceful preaching, Published by Goodword Books Publication, printed in India: The destruction caused by the bloody invasion was far worse than the Jews holocaust by the Nazis during the 2^nd world war in Germany. But, this aspect of history is never remembered until today.

Courtesy of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia,

in their book entitled;

Mightier than the Sword (page 113).

This coin was inscribed with 'Shahadah'

in Kufi script by the Monghuls.

Testifying their conversion to Islam.

By the grace of Allah S.W.T. a century after, the Monghul’s King named Timor Khan converted to Islam. Kufi writing was widely used and developed into Kufi Square. This way of writing was found on their coins and appeared as ornaments on their buildings, plaiting and knotting.

This window is at Richard Abas's house in Sec. 14, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

He said, "When we did extensions to the house, we added one floor.

at the stairs, we had a space which we did a sandblast on glass and stained glass.

As fa as i know this is the only Kufi on glass that i am aware of!

If you look from the outside you will get a reverse image, but it is near a roof

and nobody gets to look in that way, so it was not an issue".

In the late 20th and early 21^st century this territory of early civilization experienced more series of invasions by the US and its allies. Many of the remnants of the Monghul Empire and its legacy have perished to the ground by bombs.

Shukor Yahya found the artistic, flexibility and graphic elements in Kufi writing is very interesting yet challenging. He carefully choosed some significant Quranic verses for deliverance using this method of writing. It is something unique worthy of revival, besides the Kufi was not subjected to strict rules. So it gave Shukor Yahya virtually a free hand in the conception and execution of its ornamental forms.

This painting is entitled Al Fatihah (2007). AlFatihah Is the mother of all surahs in the Al Quran. Insofar the Kufi development is concern this is the first surah Al Fatihah written, designed and painted in Kufi - making this painting a mother of all paintings.

Emulsion on canvas. Measures; 150 cm X 78 cm.

The meaning of surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening)

1. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 2.Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds. 3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful; 4. Master of the Day of Judgement; 5. You do we worship, and your aid we seek. 6. Show me the straight way; 7. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose portion will not wrath, and who not go astray.

Note: In Surah Al Fatihah there is cure to all illness. These seven ayats represents the Grand Quran.

Pre-Kufi Period (Shukor Yahya 0.1)

2008-12-14T16:39:00.001-08:00

This decorated Kufi was designed by Firdaus Mahadi, signified his own name.

Firdaus Mahadi is a master in Thuluth and Naskh writing and design. He is from Masjid Tanah Melaka, Malaysia. Currently, he is in a familiarization process about the technique and tricks of designing Kufi. He made a comment and said that the Kufi I have painted is called Kufi Murabba'. Perhaps it is a translation to Kufi Square in Arabic.

During Pre-Kufi of Shukor Yahya's life, he had also indulged himself in what Firdaus currently is doing .

So, he thought he should also make his sharing of experience with him known for the public.

This painting is entitled kalimah Shahadah (2003),

is an example of Shukor Yahya's Thuluth writing.

It is a collection of Surau Islamiah at PKNS Flats, Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

This kalimah means,

"None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad S.A.W. is the messenger of Allah".

Emulsion on canvas, measures 76 cm X 76 cm. Priced USD 100 K.

When Shukor Yahya was working in advertising agencies he was frequently tasked to design Eid-il-Fithri greeting cards or write some advertising headlines in Jawi for many clients. He often accomplished the tasks to his clients satisfaction. In fact he is the only one who had the expertise in the agency. Otherwise the task had to be out-sourced. He does not really learn the technique of the writing, except during his primary school days when he started learning to spell and write both in Roman and Jawi.

In 2004 he took part in a first Jawi and Chinese calligraphic competition organized by Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia by submitting three works. The judges did not give him the first, second or third awards but instead he was the winner of three consolation prices. Perhaps due to his unusual treatment in his paintings which broke out of the norm.

This book can be purchased from Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia or The British Museum.

In 2004 one of his work was chosen to be included in a coffee table book entitled Mightier Than a Sword, jointly published by Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia and the British Museum. The work was placed last (page 221) in the book, which indicated the latest contemporary development in the Arabic script writing in the world, from the past to present.

Dr. Heba Nayel Barakat's (2004), said, "Composed in a plenitude of colors, the Malaysian artist Shukor Yahya created a wonderful and serene composition of phrase from the Islamic tradition; those who seek The Might, it's God that totally encompasses the Might. The artist successfuly created out of sporadic droplets an outstanding composed space, philosophically leading the mind to focus on the origin of everything, in the spirit of Monotheism approach.

The calligraphy is rendered in a lighter pigment in a three dimensional manner making the word easy to read and understand hence, the artist has combined beauty, philosophy and meaning. Shukor Yahya was a participant of Manifestasi Perdana Seni Khat, Kuala Lumpur, an annual calligraphy competition of Malaysia and was recognized for his innovation and creativity.

The lesson he learnt from it was not to follow the norm to get noticed. After all he felt tuluth writing is somewhat cliche to him and would only placed him as a me-too artist, albeit the way-out treatments he had tried.

At this juncture he started Square Kufi which he had been toying around with his computer for quite sometimes.

This painting is Shukor Yahya's personal collection since 2003. Painted with emulsion on canvas, measures 90 cm X 60 cm.

He would only willing to be parted from it for USD 100 K.

How, When and Where Shukor Yahya went Kufi

2008-12-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

This photo was captured about a week ago,

entitled; Hamptie Dumptie I'm all over Kufi.

Mamoun Sakkal is from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a doctor candidate, who is currently doing research on Kufi. He wrote to me and asked some pertinent questions about myself. So, I thought I should make the answer known to the public as well, as I sensed that there are many more people who are interested to know me - a Contemporary Artist and a Graphic Designer:

Initially I have two blogs about Kufi but now they have been reduced to just only one, at; http://shukoryahya.blogspot.com/. My manager told me to be careful about flaunting all of my works because someone out there might abuse them. So, I deleted the other but maintaining just one in orderly manner.

Since my main objective in painting is to fulfill the obligation in the effort on dakwah, I themed my work as Monotheism Rhapsody in Kufi.

MS: 1. Where and when you were born? A brief biography?

SY: I was born in Johore (3/4 mile from Singapore), at the most southern state of the Peninsular Malaysia, on 27th April, 1953. I am the youngest in a Malay family of four. My father passed away while I was 5 months old. So I grew up with my struggling mother until I finished my secondary level and religious education, where I also learned Jawi (Arabic way of writing in Malay language) then.

1n 1972, I continue my study at MARA Institute of Technology (ITM) until mid 1976 and passed with a Bachelor in Graphic Design. I was immediately employed by McCann Erickson, Advertising Agency in Kuala Lumpur as a finish artist, visualizer and Junior Art Director. Subsequently, I moved from one agency to another as an Art Director like Idris Lim Associate, Wings BBDO and Merit Design Consultants, to earn better pays.

In 1988, I went to Melbourne on a sponsorship of Rotary International to study etching technique in depth, where I engaged myself as an Artist in Residence at Raja Azhar Gallery at Franklin Street and later moved to Flinders Lane.

In 1989, I came back to Kuala Lumpur to get employed by Ted Bates until 1998. I was the head of Design unit (USP) specializing in Branding and Packaging Design. Until today the brand I have created and designed are still on the shelves, such as Fresh and white, Dobi, Sokubuku for Southern Lion, Mach 5 and Sprinta for Petronas, Flora and Dorina for Levers, Naturel for Lam Soon and many more, until I lost my job due to economic recession caused by George Soros legacy in 1998.

After some brief short journey, I didn't waste much time and enrolled myself into a post graduate study at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, where I earned a MA (Master of Arts in Art and Design Education) in 2002.

I was attached to the University of Malaya in 2004, but the environment doesn’t make me wanting to stay much longer there. So, I traveled to India and Bangladesh to learn the effort of dakwah for four months.

By the grace of Allah, being an artist and Graphic designer, the journey, experience and learnt from it, earned me an inspiration to do something different in painting. I was looking for a way to connect the effort of dakwah and painting then, until I saw kufi pattern which really intrigued me. So worked out a way to combine my spiritual endavour with creativity. The fruits are all the sixtyfour masterpieces in my collection today.

MS: 2. How and where did you learn Square Kufi? Please be as detailed as possible?

SY: I first saw kufi in an inside page cover of Al Qur'an in a hotel room while I was on holiday with my family at Port Dickson. The second time I saw Kufi was when I visited The Islamic Arts Muzium of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur as ornaments to the building. Then, I learnt and made an attempt to construct Kufi typography with computer using Adobe Illustrator software on my own, by copying the surah Al Ikhlas which I first saw in the hotel room.

After a successful attempt I tried to construct more surahs, mainly the last surahs in Al Quran. My wife told me to carry on doing what I was doing because she found it interesting too.

Being a Graphic designer I have worked out a technique to transfer the design onto canvas and started painting them. Alhamdulillah!, today, I am on my 65th work and still going strong.

This sculpture was shown to me by Richard Abas (the man in the picture), on 10th , Dec. at 3.30 pm in front of Guthrie office at Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, Selangor. He is the author of a blog kufikufi.blogspot.com/. It has been there for more then a decade ago and showing signs of decaying. Before this, I never realize that there are already some existing Kufi fans in that magnitude of level in my own country. This visit fruited more ideas and have gotten me even more motivated to carry on.

Detail meaning about monotheism by the scholars

2008-12-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

This painting is entitled Al Ikhlas (3), painted in 2008 on Linen with emulsion paint, the size is 76 cm X 76 cm.

The meaning of the ayat:

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Say (o Muhammad S.A.W.): He is Allah, (the one)

2. Allah-us-Samad (Allah - the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (he neither eats nor drinks).

3. "He begets not, nor was He begotten."

4. "And there is none co-equal or comparable onto Him."

According to Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali from Madinah Al Munawarah, (March, 1999), the authors of "Interpretation of the Meanings of The Noble Qur'an in The English Language" Published by Darussalam Publishers, printed in Italy ;

Tauhid (Islamic Monotheism) has three aspects:

(A) Oneness of the Lordship of Allah; Tauhid-ar-Rububiyyah: To believe that there is only one Lord for all the universe and He is, the Creator, Organizer, Planner, Sustainer, and the Giver of security, that is Allah.

(B) Oneness of the worship of Allah; Tauhid-al-Uluhiyyah: To believe that none has the right to be worshipped (e.g. praying, invoking, asking for help from the unseen, swearing, slaughtering sacrifices, giving charity, fasting, pilgrimage) but Allah.

To believe that:

(i) One must not name or qualify Allah except with what He or His Messenger (s.a.w.) has named or qualified Him;

Painted in 2008, entitled Shahadah. Emulsion on Linen, measures 64 cm X 64 cm

ii) None can be named or qualified with the Names or Qualifications of Allah; e.g. Al-Karim;

(iii) We must believe in all the Qualities of Allah which Allah has stated in His Book (the Qur'an) or mentioned through His Messenger (Muhammad s.a.w.) without changing their meaning or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or likening them (giving resemblance) to any of the created things e.g. Allah is present over His Throne as mentioned in the Qur'an (V. 20:5):-

"The Most Gracious (Allah) rose over (Istawa) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty)," over the seventh heaven; and He comes down over the first (nearest) heaven to us during the last third part of every night and also on the day of 'Arafah (Hajj, i.e. the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah), as mentioned by the Prophets.a.w. , but He is with us by His Knowledge, not by His Personal-Self. Also Allah says:

"There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer" (V.42:ll). This Noble Verse proves the quality of hearing and the quality of sight for Allah without likening it (or giving resemblance) to any of the created things, and likewise He also says:

"To one whom I have created with Both My Hands," (V.38:75); and He also says: "The Hand of Allah is over their hands." (V.48:10).

This confirms two Hands for Allah, but there is no similarity for them. This is the Belief of all true believers, and was the Belief of all the Prophets of Allah, from Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and 'Isa (Jesus) till the last of the Prophets, Muhammad s.a.w. (It is not as some people think that Allah is present everywhere — here, there and even inside the breasts of men).

Painted in 2004, entitled Al Ikhlas (1).Emulsion on canvas, measures 50 cm X 50 cm.

These three aspects of Tauhid are included in the meaning of La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). It is also essential to follow Allah's Messenger, Muhammad s.a.w.: Wujub al-Ittiba' and it is a part of Tauhld-al-Uluhiyyah. This is included in the meaning, "I testify that Muhammad s.a.w. is Allah's Messenger," and this means, "None has the right to be followed after Allah's Book (the Qur'an), but Allah's Messenger s.a.w."ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). It is also essential to follow Allah's Messenger, Muhammad s.a.w.: Wujub al-Ittiba' and it is a part of Tauhld-al-Uluhiyyah. This is included in the meaning, "I testify that Muhammad s.a.w. is Allah's Messenger," and this means, "None has the right to be followed after Allah's Book (the Qur'an), but Allah's Messenger s.a.w."

Allah says: "And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad s.a.w.) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." (V.59:7)

And also Allah says: "Say (o Muhammad s.a.w. to mankind), 'If you (really) love Allah then follow me [i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah (legal ways of the Prophet s.a.w.)], Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins.' "(V.3:31)

This painting is also entitled Al Ikhlas (2),

was treated with the inclusion of ornaments around the ayat,

formed by arrangement of shapes of Sinar leaves

which I collected during my visit to Greece in 2006.

It was painted on Linen with emulsion in 2007,

the size is 76 cm X 76 cm.

Take a close look at this painting

2008-12-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

This painting is Shukor's 64th and the last masterpiece in 2008,

it is entitled "Luqman : 26", which was completed last week on 2nd Dec.

It measures 102 cm X 65 cm.

Like the rest of his paintings,

Shukor used emulsion paints on Linen

as his medium.

Implicitly it carries a deep meaning describing examples of the names and qualities of Allah, "To Allah belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth. Verily, Allah, He is Al Ghani (Rich, Free of all needs), worthy of all praise."

In Shukor's process of knowing Allah, this particular sentence from the Holy Al Quran struck hime into even deeper understanding, because this ayat explained to us that God is so wealthy and does not need anybody to help Him adding on to his wealth. He is also the most Noble.

With these names and qualities no men can match, it is only logical that we must admit that no matter how rich a man can be, he is still poor in the eyes of Allah. In addition, no matter how noble a man can be he is still a servant to Allah. So, therefore we are all poor and slaves. So why should we ask from other person when we are in need. Why not we learn to ask from Allah and start praising Him instead of the others?

Monotheism Rhapsody in Kufi

2008-11-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

Monotheism is a doctrine of believing in only one God. Today it is a subject that some people found it mundane to certain extend among the believers and debatable to many nonbelievers. As a contemporary artist and graphic designer Shukor Yahya has rhapsodizing it in his paintings to capture interest among the masses by presenting some important words from the holy Al Qur'an about this concept.

This was cleverly done by combining both action painting and colour field painting as found in the abstract expressionism art movement, presented in Square Kufi Calligraphy.

Thus, introducing a new dimension in the art movement, today.