Understanding Beauty and Value through Faith

Our existence and presence in this world are events and states that we accept as they are. None of us initially ordered to have the features we currently possess, such as our skin color, race, or language. We accept them as they are. Because of this, Allah does not judge humans based on their appearance or wealth.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Indeed, Allah (GOD) does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your heart and your deeds." Why isn't physical beauty considered the primary criterion in religion?

Firstly, because beauty is relative and depends on who is looking. What I find beautiful, you might not, and what you find beautiful, I might find unattractive. Therefore, among poets of love, there is a difference of opinion: is it beauty that makes someone fall in love, or is it love that makes someone appear beautiful in the eyes of the lover? Both can happen. Beauty might make someone fall in love, or love might make someone seem beautiful despite others finding them unattractive. Clearly, beauty is something relative.

Secondly, beauty is temporary. It changes with the passage of time and the shifting of ages. No human becomes more beautiful with age. Perhaps now, at 17, someone is extremely beautiful and admired by many for their looks. However, 30-40 years from now, people might not even notice their appearance.

Therefore, the core assessment in religion is not about appearance or wealth but about the goodness of the heart and good deeds. It would be even more ideal if a good heart and good deeds are coupled with an attractive appearance. This is called inner and outer beauty.

Understanding beauty and value through the lens of Religion (Islamic faith) is a profound exploration—one that transcends mere aesthetics and delves into the essence of existence. Let’s embark on this journey together.

The Concept of Beauty in Islam:

• Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) succinctly captured the essence: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ” (Sahih Muslim). Translated, it means: “God is beautiful, and He loves beauty.” This statement resonates deeply within the hearts of believers.
• But what does beauty mean in this context? Is it confined to physical appearances? Not at all. The Quran reminds us: ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحْسَنَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلَقَهُ (Surah As-Sajdah, 32:7) — “He who has beautified everything that He created.” Here lies the crux: Beauty extends beyond the surface; it permeates creation, from the tiniest leaf to the grandest mountain peak.
• Thus, the concept of beauty in Islam suggests objectivity—a shared perception that what God calls beautiful resonates universally. It’s not merely subjective; it’s a divine imprint on our souls.

Beauty and Aesthetics in Islamic Art:

• Islamic art embodies this understanding. It marries the quantitative (pragmatic adaptations) with the qualitative (Islamic aesthetics). Whether in intricate calligraphy, mesmerizing geometric patterns, or serene mosque architecture, beauty serves as a bridge between the material and the spiritual.
• The mihrab (prayer niche) in a mosque, for instance, isn’t just ornamental; it points toward the qiblah, symbolizing our connection to the Divine. The arabesque motifs—repetitive, infinite—remind us of God’s boundless grace.
• Meaningful beauty in Islamic art transcends mere decoration; it invites contemplation, elevating the soul.

Values and Beauty in the Quran:

• The Quran weaves a tapestry of values—utility, morality, and beauty. These threads intersect, forming a coherent whole.
• When we witness events—big or small—we interpret them through this value system. Beauty isn’t isolated; it’s part of a holistic worldview.
• Imagine a blossoming flower: its utility (pollination), morality (growth), and beauty (petals) harmonize. Similarly, our lives resonate with these intertwined values.

In summary, beauty in Islam isn’t skin-deep; it’s soul-deep. It’s the symmetry of a snowflake, the resonance of a heartfelt prayer, and the kindness in a smile. It’s God’s signature on creation, inviting us to recognize His beauty and reflect it in our lives.