The Sacred Geometry of Fluidity: An Exploration of Arabic Calligraphy as Art, Faith, and Identity

| Script | Characteristics | Primary Use | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Angular, rigid, monumental, geometric. | Early Qur’ans; architectural tilework (mosques). | | Naskh | Small, round, fluid, extremely legible. | Copying the Qur’an; books; modern newspapers. | | Thuluth | Majestic, large, curved with interlocking letters. | Mosque inscriptions; title pages; basmalahs. | | Muhaqqaq | Elongated verticals; strong contrast between thick/thin. | Royal decrees; large Qur’ans (Mamluk era). | | Rayhani | A smaller, more delicate version of Muhaqqaq. | Private devotional texts. | | Tawqi | Compact, looped descenders. | Chanceries; official signatures. | | Riqa’ | Simple, half-cursive. | Daily correspondence; personal notes. |