Prayer Book 1741 - 1791

This is a page from a prayer book, created by 'Abd al-Qadir Hisari, and currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Prayer books like this one are devotional objects, but they also reflect the owner’s identity, status, and education. Here, the ship drawn by the artist is not just a decoration, but a profound expression of faith and connection to larger cultural narratives. The ship as a symbol can be understood through the lens of historical and spiritual journeys. It evokes the journeys of exploration and trade that crisscrossed the Islamic world. The ship, constructed from elegant calligraphic forms, beautifully merges artistic expression with religious devotion. It asks us to consider how faith and art intersect. The choice of a ship also speaks to the personal journey of faith each person undertakes. It serves as a reminder of the individual's path toward enlightenment and understanding.