A Portrait in Words — Hilya-i Sharif

Hilya-i Sharif: A Portrait in Words

This magnificent artwork is a traditional Hilye-i Sharif, a revered form of Islamic calligraphy that preserves a written description of the physical appearance and noble character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Rather than portraying the Prophet ﷺ through an image, the Hilye presents his qualities through carefully composed words, allowing the viewer to reflect upon his presence, character and example with love and reverence. Historically displayed in homes, mosques and places of learning, the Hilya-i Sharif holds a special place within the Ottoman calligraphic tradition.

At the top of the composition appears the Basmala:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.”

This sacred phrase introduces the artwork and frames everything that follows beneath the mercy and remembrance of Allah.

The four circular medallions contain the names of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs:

أبو بكر رضي الله عنه
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him.

عمر رضي الله عنه
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.

عثمان رضي الله عنه
Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him.

علي رضي الله عنه
Ali, may Allah be pleased with him.

The central circular panel begins with a narration attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him:

وعن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه أنه كان إذا وصف النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال

“It is narrated from Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, that whenever he described the Prophet ﷺ, he would say:”

The text then offers a detailed and deeply affectionate description of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

He was neither excessively tall nor noticeably short, but was of medium height among the people. His hair was neither tightly curled nor completely straight, but gently wavy. His face had a slight roundness, and his complexion was fair with a reddish hue. His eyes were large and intensely dark, and his eyelashes were long. He had broad shoulders, strong and well-formed hands and feet, and carried himself with strength and dignity. When he walked, he moved firmly, as though descending a slope, and when he turned toward someone, he turned with his whole body.

Across the lower centre of the artwork appears the Qur’anic verse:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

“And We have not sent you, except as a mercy to all the worlds.”
Surah al-Anbiya, 21:107

This verse captures the heart of the composition, presenting the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a mercy extended to all creation.

The lower passage continues the description:

Between his shoulders was the Seal of Prophethood, and he was the Seal of the Prophets. He was the most generous of people in heart, the most truthful in speech, the gentlest in nature and the noblest in companionship. Whoever saw him unexpectedly was filled with awe, and whoever came to know him closely loved him. The one who described him would say, “I have never seen anyone like him, either before him or after him.”

The composition concludes with the prayer:

صلى الله عليه وسلم

“May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.”

Surrounded by richly detailed floral illumination, deep blue ornamentation and warm gold tones, this Hilye-i Sharif brings together sacred text, classical calligraphy and traditional decorative art. Every section is carefully balanced, guiding the eye from the Basmala to the central description, the Qur’anic verse and the concluding words of praise.

More than a decorative work, this piece is a visual expression of love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and an invitation to reflect upon his beauty of character, truthfulness, gentleness and mercy. It is especially suited to a living room, entrance hall, study, prayer space or any setting in which remembrance and reflection are valued.