THE ISLAMIC HISTORY OF AL-HILYA SHARĪFA

The calligraphic arrangement known as the Hilya Sharif were produced in the Ottoman Empire since at least the 1500s, and perhaps earlier.

YOU ARE PROBABLY AWARE THAT TRADITIONALLY, PICTURES OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD ﷺ ARE NOT ENCOURAGED. 

This is because Muslims hold all prophets, most especially the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in the highest honor, and Muslim scholars have long agreed that any depiction of any of the prophets “will always fall short of the reverence and honour due to them.” 

The issue of images aside, Muslims are strongly encouraged to keep the Prophet ﷺ on our minds and in our hearts constantly. 

Images can help us to remember things. 

However, Muslims have devised many methods to be reminded of the Prophet ﷺ without using images. 

One of these is the majestic Hilya Sharif.

The Hilya Sharif is a calligraphic arrangement that originated in Ottoman times. This beautiful design has historically been displayed in a prominent place in Muslim households throughout the world.

"It was from the practice of the early Muslims, that they would frame the Hilya Sharif and put it up in their homes, and teach it to their children. Everybody who would pass by the Hilya Sharif would send peace and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. So the Hilya Sharif would serve as a reminder that we have the Noble Messenger ﷺ within our homes and within our hearts.”