Calligraphy is one of the most versatile, disciplined and rich practices of Islamic art, and has rooted itself as a highly respected tradition in Islamic culture. Islamic calligraphy has paid tribute to the Arabic language, the revered language of the holy Quran; thus it is not only a form of writing but also a form of spiritual expression. Al Burda Award has long recognized masterful work of both classical and modern Islamic calligraphy, embracing both the traditional and the contemporary.
One artwork should be writing by Thuluth font and containing the following text:
وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلْوَزْنَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا۟ ٱلْمِيزَانَ (9) وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ
(9)and(10) [Surah Al-Rahman]
The artist has the freedom to choose the type of design , provided that the area is not less than 2.25 square meters.
Different materials and colors may be used as long as they are executed on treated canvas.
Traditional fonts, along with other innovative fonts, are allowed as complementary elements to the painting and not as its primary focus.
The text is from the Hadith of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH):
«إِنْ قَامَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَفِي يَدِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَسِيلَةٌ، فَإِنِ اسْتَطَاعَ أَنْ لا تقُومَ حَتَّى يَغْرِسَهَا، فَلْيَغْرِسْهَا)
