Interpreting Qur’anic Calligraphy in Mosque Architecture: A Review on its Aesthetical Outlook

Abstract

Qur’anic calligraphy constitutes a central element of Islamic visual culture, functioning not only as an artistic expression but also as a medium through which the Qur’an is experienced in everyday religious life. This study aims to examine the aesthetic characteristics and community reception of Qur’anic calligraphy displayed in mosque architecture, focusing on the Great Mosque of Ar-Raudlah in Kraksaan and the Raudlatul Jannah Mosque in Probolinggo, East Java. Employing a qualitative research design within the framework of Living Qur’an studies, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that Thuluth script dominates the calligraphic forms in both mosques, reflecting aesthetic principles of harmony, balance, and sacred symbolism. Qur’anic verses such as Ayat al-Kursi and Surah al-Fatihah are strategically positioned in architectural focal points, reinforcing their theological significance and spiritual functions. From the perspective of reception, worshippers perceive Qur’anic calligraphy not merely as decorative ornamentation but as a source of spiritual reflection, moral guidance, and religious protection. The visual presence of Qur’anic inscriptions contributes to heightened devotional awareness (khushu‘) and strengthens communal religious identity. This study demonstrates that Qur’anic calligraphy serves as a form of visual reception of the Qur’an, integrating aesthetics, theology, and lived religious experience within mosque spaces.