Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered the opening address at an international conference titled Word of God, Art of Man, The Qur'an and its Creative Expressions, organised by The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) on 19 October 2003 in London. The conference was held to mark the Institute’s 25th anniversary.
His remarks emphasised the role of art and spirituality in promoting dialogue across cultures and faiths, and highlighted the Qur'an’s influence on intellectual and artistic pursuits.
“This colloquium covers a range of Muslim expressions in the Arts, across time and space,” Hazar Imam said. “Some among the eminent scholars present today have observed that, while the Qur’an may not propound a doctrine of Islamic art or material culture, it does offer imaginative scope in this direction. From early on, its passages have inspired works of art and architecture, and shaped attitudes and norms that have guided the development of Muslim artistic traditions.”
In his speech, the Imam quotes selected extracts of the scripture, to highlight its respect for diversity, its commitment to human dignity, its promotion of knowledge, and its vision of an inclusive society.
Therefore, the holy Qur’an is much more than a book compiled 1400 years ago. Muslim Scholars have long insisted that the Qur’an’s teachings on justice and compassion are applicable in any era, and can help society at large to navigate complex moral dilemmas.
“Ours is a time when knowledge and information are expanding at an accelerating and, perhaps, unsettling pace,” Hazar Imam said. “There exists, therefore, an unprecedented capacity for improving the human condition. And yet, ills such as abject poverty and ignorance, and the conflicts these breed, continue to afflict the world. The Qur’an addresses this challenge eloquently.”
The full speech is available to stream or download now via the Gems of Wisdom podcast.
–
We invite you to listen and reflect on Hazar Imam’s words in this thoughtfully compiled series. Find us on your favourite podcast platform, and make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.
