A Guiding Light: A reflection of Ramadan and the Quran
About the Artwork
Read the full article here with images on Substack.
This piece, “The Guiding Light,” is inspired by Islamic art and Ottoman-era craftsmanship. The intricate Rumi-style lanterns are reminiscent of the ones that once lit up the palaces of the Ottoman Empire. The gold outline is a nod to the beautiful illuminations found in Islamic calligraphy, often used to highlight the significance of sacred texts.
The pointed arch window, a classic element of Islamic architecture, frames a glowing moon. But I wanted the light of the Quran in the person’s hands to shine even brighter—a reminder that the real guiding light in our lives comes from the words of Allah.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
The Story Behind Ottoman Lanterns
The lanterns in this piece are inspired by those carefully crafted by Ottoman artisans, who were known for their incredible attention to detail. These lanterns, along with other brass and metalwork, were decorated with biomorphic patterns and abstract motifs, adding beauty to palaces and mosques.
Back in the Ottoman era, artists didn’t work alone—they were part of artisan guilds, where groups of skilled craftsmen worked together on large-scale projects. That’s why most historic Islamic art isn’t attributed to just one artist; it’s the product of many hands and minds coming together. It’s incredible to think about the level of teamwork and craftsmanship that went into every piece!
The Quran’s Role in Ramadan
Ramadan is special for many reasons, but at its core, it’s about reconnecting with the Quran. This is the month when the first revelations were given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Quran isn’t just a book of rules or stories—it’s a source of peace, guidance, and wisdom that can truly transform your life.
My Personal Journey with the Quran
No matter how many times I read the Quran, it continues to amaze me.
I didn’t always have this connection with it, though. I grew up in a culturally Muslim environment but wasn’t very religious. To be honest, I was skeptical. How could reading a book in a language I didn’t fully understand bring comfort or help me navigate life?
Curious, I decided to explore it for myself. And what I found completely changed my perspective.
First, I was blown away by the scientific facts in the Quran—things that were revealed centuries before modern technology could confirm them.
Then, I realized how incredible it is that no matter where a Muslim comes from—regardless of culture, background, or status—we all recite the exact same words of the Quran, unchanged for over a thousand years.
But the moment that really shook me was reading this verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:80):
"The Fire shall not touch us except for a limited number of days."
This hit me hard because, for a long time, I told myself I’d “get serious about my faith later”—I thought I had all the time in the world. Reading that verse made me pause and reflect. It pushed me to unlearn cultural influences and truly understand what Islam is about.
Faith, Manifestation, and Purpose
A lot of people talk about manifestation, but in Islam, we’ve always had it—it’s called dua (prayer). Asking Allah for what we want isn’t just encouraged; it’s part of practicing faith. That realization changed everything for me.
I also realized that my struggles with Islam weren’t about the religion itself—they were about people’s interpretations of it. Culture can sometimes distort religion, and growing up, I often saw Islam presented as a list of rules rather than a path to peace, love, and intention.
But when I started to learn on my own and from credible sources, everything changed. I finally understood that:
The more I read the Quran, the easier my day became.
The more I focused on prayer, the more peace I felt.
The more I would make dua, the more I felt content grateful for all the blessings I already have.
My perspective on life shifted—I started seeing the good, which is exactly what Islam teaches us to do.
Islam: A Path to Growth, Not Restriction
Islam isn’t about strict rules or fear—it’s about free will, personal growth, and striving for goodness. It has made me a better person, taught me discipline and responsibility, and given me a sense of purpose beyond everyday struggles.
This journey has been eye-opening, and I hope “The Guiding Light” inspires others to explore their faith, appreciate the beauty of Islamic art, and build a deeper connection with the Quran’s wisdom.
