النقوش الإسلامية وأطر دراستها

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the rise and development of documentation Islamic inscriptions and epigraphy. It represents this field related terminology. The manuscript monitors the efforts of earlier Muslim historians, geographers and travelers in this regard.Then it focuses on the local and international scientific works and projects concerning the documentation, classification, and study of Islamic inscriptions over centuries. The study presents the methodologies of studying Islamic inscriptions besides their chronological development; the methodologies are closely related to their classification considering functional, regional, chronological and calligraphic stylistic criteria. Aware understanding of the geographically and historic contexts of the inscription and its production circumstances form a determining factor leading to a perfect reading and an accurate interpretation. The scholar's culture -religious, linguistic and historical-and his cumulative knowledge help in easily reading and analyzing of inscriptions.The paper discusses the multiple and different inputs for the classification of Islamic inscriptions; with particular highlighting the language as one of the most important ones.The study details the monolingual inscriptions, as well as the multilingual ones. It also explains some important phenomena and issues related to choosing or shifting the language of the inscriptions. The study also discusses the different types of calendars and dating systems recorded on Islamic inscriptions.The study concluded by showing the importance of Islamic inscriptions and epigraphy as one of the most important characteristics of Islamic civilization and heritage; which influenced in of Christian heritage, artifacts and architecture. This influence appeared in both a decorative artistic context, and copying the core linguistic and religious content. The Qur'anic quotation "Mā shā' Allāh" is a fine example explaining this issue; it carries cultural meaning across different religions, cultures and regions. It was a mascot and a talisman on properties, including houses and belongings of both Muslims and Christians. Mā shāʾ Allāh was also engraved in Greek alphabet 'Mάσαλα' and 'Μασαλαχ' on Christian buildings, and objects as in Islamic cultural context.