Al-Shaheed (The Witness)

Medium: Mixed media on layers of paper - Framed Size: 100 X 70 cm Date: 2003 The divine attribute Al-Shaheed or "The Witness" emphasizes God's role as the One who observes and is fully aware of everything, bearing witness to all actions and events in the universe. At the human level the term means ‘the martyr’, a person who gives up his life The piece is crafted in a stylized Naskh script and Kufic style adorned with floral and arabesque motifs in delicate gold lines. Al-Shaheed appears in bold Naskh style highlighted with red on a background of Bismillah in Kufic script. The light color of the central piece stands in stark contrast to the surrounding dark background, symbolizing the earthly, mundane realm. Amidst this darkness, delicate golden lines trace floral and bird motifs, resembling veins of light that infuse hope and nourish the soul. A deep blue vertical column cuts through the composition, representing a tranquil path for the spirit’s ascent toward the divine realm above, its journey illuminated by blood-red outlines that suggest passion and transcendence.