Significance of Arabic Calligraphy

Abstract

The Arabic lexicographic structure is based on a balanced relationship between meaning, pronunciation and script, with meaning being the essence of the language that is reflected in both pronunciation and script. However, Arabic dictionaries in general only offer word meanings, but miss the significance of calligraphy. This prompts a quest to identify the fundamentals of artistic construction and practical rules for the shapes and beautiful images of script letters.  These words, concepts, and terms are taḥqīq, taḥwīq, takhrīq, ta’rīq, tashqīq, tansīq, tawfīq, tadqīq, and tafrīq