Behind the Arabesque: Understanding Islamic Art and Architecture

Authors

Cynthia Finlayson

Keywords

Mormon studies, Islam, art and architecture, Arabesque

Abstract

God is the light of the heavens and the earth. A likeness of His light is as a pillar on which is a lamp—the lamp is in a glass, the glass is as it were a brightly shining star—lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof gives light, though fire touch it not—light upon light. God guides to His light whom He pleases. And God sets forth parables for men, and God is Knower of all things.

—Qur'an 24:35

Recommended Citation

Finlayson, Cynthia (2001) "Behind the Arabesque: Understanding Islamic Art and Architecture," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 40: Iss. 4, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol40/iss4/6