1993 APT1 Conference : Identity, tradition and change

forbidding the evil". Hence for every Muslim the affairs of this world is as much important as that of the next. To speak out against acts of cruelities of war, social injustices and corrup­ tions, and to encourage and moral-ethical and virtuous deeds such as mutual respect, hon­ esty', the maintaining a happy and harmoni­ ous family, diligence etc. become concerns that are vital a Muslims faith and religious piety. Precisely, these are some of the central issues that concern artists such as Hashim Hassan, Ramlan Abdullah, Yusof Ghani, Ariffin Ismail, Awang Damit, and others. 3. Islamic Calligraphy - The Word Of God In order to help man gain peace, felicity and success in this world and the next, God has sent down the Holy Quran as Absolute Guide to assist him in avoiding the numerous pitfalls and errors of this world and walk on the "straight path." If in Christianity Jesus Christ is regarded as "God made Flesh", in Islam, it is the Quran that is perceived as the "Word of God made Flesh". And like the Holy Scriptures of other reli­ gions, the Quranic verses are sacred talismans, invested with Divine Grace and Power that is both spiritually transformative and enriching. Beside the recitation of the Holy Quran, the writing of the Quranic verses itself-in the form of Islamic calligraphy is looked upon by Muslims, as a pious act of devotion that purifies one's soul. Because it is associated with the Word of God-the Logos, the art of calligraphy is considered to be the highest form of Islamic art-and the calligrapher him­ self given the highest respect and hold in high esteem by both princes and paupers alike. For artists like Idris Salam, Omar Rahmat, Mohd Yusof Bakar, S. Mahdar, Wan Zahari and others, their involvements with Islamic calligraphy become the pious act for the remembrance of God while spiritually rejuve­ nating their own souls. However foi artists such as Muhammad Ali Rahman, Wan Ahmad, their approach towards calligraphy are determined neither religious content or message of text but primarily on the formal, aesthetics, and plastic beauty and elegence of Jawi script. 4. Mosque Architecture : The House Of God The mosque is considered by many Muslims as the sacred architecture par Excel­ lence. Form a Sufi perspective, a close nexus exists between the many forms of a mosque, with Islamic cosmology’. A mosque is essen­ tially regarded the "House of God" whose sacred ambience exudes an atmosphere of equilibrium, serenity, and harmony. It is a place of worship where Islam sought to disci­ pline its adherents to keep them ever con­ scious of the Presence of God as well attain psychic satisfaction, emotional fulfillment and spiritual enrichment. The involvements of some Malay artists such as Raja Zahabuddin, Shukor Hashim, D'Zul Haimi and others with the Islamic architectural forms and images especially of this sacred "House of God" reflects of their growing commitments to invest their art with an Islamic spirit. 28