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The Foundation

Scripts & Techniques

Contemporary Islamic art is not built in a vacuum. It rests on centuries of rigorous geometric discipline. Explore the classical scripts that form the architectural foundation of Sibghatullah Siddiqui's practice.

Thuluth script calligraphy example by Sibghatullah Siddiqui
The "One-Third" Script

Thuluth

Thuluth is the monumental script of the Islamic world, known for its elegant, flowing lines and complex intersecting compositions. It is considered the true test of a calligrapher's mastery.

Originating in the 11th century, Thuluth gets its name from the proportion of straight lines to curves (one-third straight). It is the script most commonly used for architectural inscriptions, mosque domes, and the chapter headings of the Qur'an. Siddiqui employs Thuluth as the structural foundation for his most complex contemporary canvas works.

Key Characteristics

  • •Deep, swooping curves
  • •Tall vertical strokes (alifs)
  • •Highly interlaced compositions
  • •Requires immense discipline and structural awareness
Naskh script calligraphy example by Sibghatullah Siddiqui
The Script of Copying

Naskh

Naskh is the preeminent script for writing the Qur'an. It is highly legible, rhythmic, and perfectly balanced, designed for continuous reading without fatiguing the eye.

Developed by the vizier Ibn Muqla in the 10th century, Naskh replaced the heavy Kufic script for manuscript production. Its beauty lies in its quiet rhythm and perfect baseline. While less flamboyant than Thuluth, achieving perfection in Naskh requires years of repetitive, meditative practice. Siddiqui frequently pairs Naskh with Thuluth in multi-layered compositions.

Key Characteristics

  • •Clear, legible letterforms
  • •Even, rhythmic spacing
  • •Strong horizontal baseline
  • •The global standard for printed Arabic text
Diwani script calligraphy example by Sibghatullah Siddiqui
The Script of the Royal Court

Diwani

A highly cursive, expressive script developed by the Ottomans. Diwani is characterised by its steep descending baselines and letters that intertwine organically.

Diwani was initially a secret script used for royal decrees (firman) in the Ottoman court, designed so that the text could not be easily forged or altered. It flows like water, with the letters embracing one another. Siddiqui utilises Diwani in pieces focusing on poetic verses and divine love, where its romantic, fluid energy perfectly complements the subject matter.

Key Characteristics

  • •Steeply descending words
  • •Close intertwining of letters
  • •Absence of straight vertical lines
  • •Expressive, fluid movement

Read the Journal

Dive deeper into the spiritual philosophy, geometric rules, and colour theory behind these techniques in the artist's journal.

Explore the Journal