ARTWORK
Religious/allied expression personified via visual mediums such as graphics, photography, paintings, etc
the return of zuljanah
This acrylic painting displays one of the tragedies of Karbala for the women belonging to Imam Hussain’s caravan who mourn his martyrdom upon Zuljanah’s return, to the tents soon to be burned.
by Fizza Syed
Fizza is currently a college student who plans on attending UC Davis to pursue her passion in design.
Qamar e Bani Hashim
This digital illustration honors Hazrat Abbas (AS). Ambarina used the symbolism of an alam because he was the flagbearer of Imam Hussain’s army, as well as water for the Euphrates, and the golden shrine where he is buried today. In the symbolism of his title, “Qamar-e-Bani Hashim,” she added a moon in the background, with this name in Arabic.
by Ambarina Zenab
Ambarina is a 21 year old Middle Eastern Studies student at the University of Houston. Her work focuses on photography and illustration, influenced by her studies, Shia identity, and nature. She is a tea and ice cream enthusiast, and hopes to make a difference by being involved in her community and sending meaningful messages through her art.
This acrylic painting was made by Sakina before she left for the holy pilgrimage of ziyarat. She painted this in anticipation of reaching the land of Karbala. Upon arrival, she remembered the strokes of paint that created the dhari, which now stood right in front of her. At this moment, her painting was brought to life – A lover and beloved united.
by Sakina Abideen
Sakina Abideen is a student at the University of Houston, majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Studio Arts. With each new piece she creates, she hopes to bring herself and others closer to Allah (swt).
Abbas and hussain & walk of love
The watercolor painting depicts the shrine of Hazrate Abbas through the minarets of the shrine of Imam Hussain (as) . The lovers see the world through the lens of the teachings of Karbala. Medium: watercolor on 300 gm. Cold press paper.
This watercolor piece is based on a photo of the annual arabeen March millions participate in. It illuminates the unity and passion the lovers of Hussain (as) have. Watercolor on 300 gm paper.
by Zainab Kazmi
Zainab is a mother of 2, wife, pharmacist and creative. She started her hobby turned Etsy store when she saw a need for modern Islamic Art. She hopes that her art helps deepen the connection to Allah (swt)
This graphic is an effort to take a simple message and show its power. Saying Labbayk Ya Hussain with meaning gives Shi’as a sense of pride of being a follower of the Ahlul Bayt, strengthens our bond to Imam Hussain, and reminds us that this Labbayk is also for the Imam of our time (ajtfs).
by Amina Hasan
Amina uses graphic design and text as a way to amplify her connection to the Ahlul Bayt.
ya ghareeb ya hussain
The beautiful view of the dome of Imam Hussain is one I can never forget: the manner in which the flag waves in the sky with the name of “Hussain”, the lights shining through the darkness in the night. It’s a true representation of the illuminating presence of Imam Hussain in my life. I chose to draw this scene, and use the words “Ya Ghareeb”, as they properly portray the state our Imam was in on Ashura.
by Fatima Naqvi
Fatima Naqvi is a rising sophomore studying Human Development at UC Davis. She loves to draw, netflix/chill, and play with her cat.
Dua’ Fatima (as) & Qurban
Description of first piece: “This piece was inspired by Haj Mahdi Rasouli’s Tasbihat Zahra. It aims to depict Lady Fatima’s glory and solemnity as she prays for the Shia of Ahlulbayt (as).”
Inspired by poem: “Peace and blessings be upon you, O Fatima
Allahu Akbar, what is all this glory?
Allahu Akbar, what is this solemnity and greatness?
Allahu Akbar, Fatima stood on the path of Ali, like a mountain in the face of the wind
Alhamdulillah that I am your servant
Alhamdulillah that you are my mother
Alhamdulillah that I am shaded by your shadow since my childhood”
Description for the second piece:
This piece was inspired by an excerpt titled “Under the Black Cloak” written by a fellow follower of Ahlulbayt (as). The story is narrated through the voice of a little girl who grows to love and understand the message of Imam Hussein (as) through attending Azadari under her mother’s black cloak. This piece depicts one of many heart wrenching scenes from the great calamity of Ashura: a headless corpse that had its bed made with blood and arrows.
by Huda Hussein
Huda is a PharmD grad and a self-taught artist based in the US. She expresses her love for Ahlulbayt (as) through her art. In addition to drawing, Huda enjoys philosophy and religious studies as well as teaching kids Arabic and Islamic Education at her local Islamic Center.
hussain al ghareeb
This piece will all be related to Ahlulbayt a.s. The art work she does is mostly on Canvas and I use acrylic paints on it.
by Sughra Abedi
Sughra Abedi is 19 years old. Painting is her passion and she loves to make paintings related to Ahlulbayt a.s.
a cry for help
“Ibn Ali” names of the sons of Ali (A.S) written in the shape of a Zulfiqar. Oil Painting.
by Simrah Fatima Akbar
Simrah is 21 years old, and she lives in Dallas Texas. She loves to express herself creatively through multiple mediums.
kawthar
با قلمت کشیدی بر روح و روانم پاکی را،
لانه کردی در کنج قلبم مهربانی را،
سپردی به دنیا این دست پرورده ی خودت،
نقاشی کردی مسیری عجیب برایم که فقط میتوان بگم شکرت
by Fatemeh Eslami
Fatemeh Eslami is an architecture student at UC Berkeley with a passion for design and art.
ibn ali (a.s)
This painting is called “A Cry for Help”, she painted it with one vision in mind: the hopelessness of Lady Zainab in the land of Karbala. The shrines of Abal Fadlil Abbas and Imam Hussain (a.s) represent their role as the protectors of Bibi Zainab after the death of her father, Imam Ali (a.s). The calligraphy says ya Ali (a.s) Madad, a plea that left Lady Zainab’s mouth when she witnessed her brother Hussain ibn Ali (a.s) being slaughtered, her niece Bibi Sakina falling off a camel, her nephew Qasim being trampled. These were the words that resonated from within her, one last cry for help.
by Gazina Hussain
Gazina is from Houston, Texas, and is a student at the University of Houston. She likes to paint, recite, and write poetry to try and spread the love of the Ahlul Bayt.
Hazrat abbas
This is a digital piece, which was drawn when given a challenge to draw “Water.” It immediately reminded her of Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and how he stood strong and tall for his family and went out to fetch water for Bibi Sakina (A.S).
by Nida Bawa
Nida is an amateur designer/artist, on her way to exploring creativity. She is learning more about her religion and has an aim to display her knowledge through her art. Nida hopes to succeed with her work!
Ramadan Mubarak
by Batool Shez
Batool Khan is an artist that specializes in watercolors, acrylics, oil paints, calligraphy and illustration. She is currently taking all custom orders, check out her instagram for more information!
The Chevalier (Shahsawar)
This is an acrylic on canvas painting titled “The Chevalier (Shahsawar).” It is inspired by the first five verses of Surah Al Adiyat. Within the verses, Allah (swt) swears by the horses that sprint striking fire and those who charge at dawn. It makes a lot more sense when we read the Tafseer which dates the revelation to the time of the Battle of Badr, where the armies were led to victory by Imam Ali (as)
by Noorulain Naqvi
Noorulain is a senior at VCU, studying biology but has a passion for art.
calligraphy
The first calligraphy shows the girl in an abaya with diverse thoughts that run through her mind. The second one is calligraphy of the name “Fatima.” The yellow calligraphy shows the powerful personality of Bibi Fatima (A.S). The third calligraphy is made in love of the show Money Heist and its story.
by Furqan Bangash
Furqan is 25 years old and has a bachelor degree in Geology from University of Peshawar, Pakistan. He has been doing calligraphy as a hobby since his college days.
https://www.notion.so/Furqan-Bangash-173e28f6ee5645538bdead80bad03fd8
wazir khan mosque
The splash of vibrant colours is what Mariam loved most about the Wazir Khan Mosque when she first saw it as a child in Lahore. Painting this Mosque in celebration of the magnificent arch of the Mughals is her attempt to revisit those sweet memories of her childhood.
by Mariam Haider
Mariam graduated medical school in 2014. A few years into being a doctor and a mother, she rediscovered herself as an artist. A few brave steps later, she is now a watercolor artist studying art in Toronto.
whirling woman
“Whirling Woman” / digital illustration (2020). This piece is a representation of a spiritual Muslim woman whirling in conversation with Allah (SWT) and her higher-self. Sidra Syed gained knowledge of the concept of the “higher-self” from Shiekh Shuja Ali Mirza of The Toronto Shia congregation.
by Sidra Syed
Sidra is a Shia Muslim woman who has grown up in the Greater Toronto Area. She subscribes to the ideas presented by current scholars such as Sheikh Arif Hussein and Sheikh Shuja Ali Mirza. Her artistic practice is heavily influenced by the pursuit of high self as well as her traumas and life experiences as a second generation immigrant growing up in Toronto.
www.sidrasyed.com
kaaba
Born in the Kaaba, a calligraphy piece composed of Quran verses revealed in honor of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) depicted in the shape of a Kaaba.
by Zuhair Hussaini
Zuhair is an architect by profession based in New York City. On the side he also engages in other design projects and initiatives with regards to calligraphy, illustration, and graphic design, as well as Quran recitation.
www.zuhairh.com
sword
This is a painting of the Zulfiqar sword, which embodies the fierceness, courage, and bravery of Imam Ali (A.S). Alizah Tariq honors our Imam’s martyrdom with a painting of his sword.
by Alizah Tariq
Alizah is a junior at the University at Albany in New York majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology with a double minor in public health and neuroscience. She loves creating art in her free time and learning more of our religious historical roots. She aspires to go into the medical field to serve the underrepresented and the needed in the name of God.
MORNING IN JANNAT
This piece was made with poster paints and color pencils. Although no recreation can ever compare to the reality of the beauty of Imam Hussain (A.S)’s shrine in Karbala, Batool Abdi captures the magnificence of its dome.
by Batool Abdi
Batool is currently a junior at Rutgers University and is majoring in Public Health and Psychology. She is also the treasurer for ABSA for 2020-2021! She started to explore her interests and hobbies because she has been staying at home and started drawing and baking a lot more. She also likes to work with clay and create mixed media art as well.
portrayal of purification
Urwin Syeda creates a piece that is a portrayal of the Verse of Purification from the Qur’an (Surah Ahzab 33:28), depicting the purity of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S).
by Urwin Syeda
Urwin Syeda is pursuing a Bachelors in Fine Arts and her goal is to become an interior designer. Her hobbies include drawing, exploring different languages, and reading. She is based in Pakistan.
last dua
Masumah Zahra created this piece during a time in her life when she examined her relationship with her religion and explored the meaning of life and death as a Muslim. The Last Dua dissects unnerving feelings of the afterlife laced with hope and trust in her life on Earth.
by Masumah Zahra
Masumah is a twenty year old multidisciplinary artist who has dabbled with some realism techniques, cartoons, oil & acrylic paintings, and different styles of digital art and motion graphics. She loves gardening & plants, leading social activism conferences at her school (UC Santa Cruz), and (a new one due to quarantine) cooking! She is also a budding UI/UX design lover.
@masumahzahra / @masumah.online
walls of kufa / orphans of kufa / by the lord of the kaaba
Amina Hasan transforms real pictures into graphics to amplify the messages and phrases that stick out to her during Ayyam-e-Ali.
by Amina Hasan
Amina is from Virginia, in the Washington DC metropolitan area. She just finished her sophomore year at Cornell University and is majoring in design and environmental analysis with a minor in education. She has recently started to use graphic design for the interpretation of images related to the Ahlul Bayt (as) to try to convey simple yet impactful messages.
tHE SAIL OF ALI (A.S)
In drawing this piece, Aruba Butool had a vision of shaping the name of Ali ibn Abu Talib (A.S) in the form of a boat. Her idea was to show that in the voyage of life, the best captain of her boat, of her heart, is only Ali (A.S).
by Aruba Butool
Aruba is 19 years old, living in Atlanta, Georgia. She is studying public health at Georgia State University. She enjoys writing poetry and painting on the side.