The Role of Arabic Calligraphy in Displaying the Aesthetics of Linear Configurations in the Kiswah of Kaaba

Abstract

The Kiswah of the Kaaba, in the Saudi era, is adorned with Arabic calligraphy, executed in the complex Thuluth calligraphy. These calligraphic formations are compatible with the aesthetic and spiritual function of the Kiswah of Kaaba. In addition, the contribution of these formations and Arabic calligraphy creates formative elements of a distinctive aesthetic nature that glorifies the kiswah with a special kind of spiritual beauty associated with the writing of Qur’ānic verses. Arabic calligraphy, especially the Thuluth script, is one of the essential Arabic fonts that express the aesthetic values of Arabic calligraphy in the covering of the Kaaba. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the role of Arabic calligraphy and the characteristics of the Thuluth line, which have enhanced in highlighting the aesthetics of the linear formations of the Kiswah. The study also aims to discuss the aesthetic features and patterns that characterize the linear formations. The method used in this study is the content analysis method, bearing in mind that the primary tool used is inference based on observation. The study concluded that the Thuluth font possesses several aesthetic and technical characteristics compared to the rest of the other Arabic fonts. Moreover, these technical characteristics gave this line an evident prominence in decorating and beautifying the covering of the Kaaba with the appearance of the single letter in several bodies through the morphological diversity of the character drawing.