Celebrating the Winners of the 7th “Art for the Love of Muhammad” (PBUH)

Aslam Saleemi Award Winners

The Islamic Arts Society is deeply honored to announce the winners of the 7th “Art for the Love of Muhammad” (PBUH) International Art Competition — 2026.

What began as an artistic tribute has grown into a remarkable global celebration of love, devotion, and artistic expression. This year, the call reached artists across five continents and 50 countries, bringing together voices from around the world united by one profound theme: love for the noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

With more than 1,200 submissions, this seventh edition has been our most expansive and inspiring yet. Artists presented an extraordinary spectrum of traditions, techniques, ideas, and contemporary perspectives—each offering a unique visual expression of reverence and devotion.

This year’s competition celebrated two distinct artistic traditions: Contemporary Islamic Art and Traditional Islamic Art. Together, they demonstrated the remarkable depth of Islamic artistic expression—honoring a rich heritage while embracing new forms of creativity and interpretation.

Our four-member internal jury first selected the top thirty entries in each category after evaluating all the works with care and integrity, guided by five key criteria:

Concept and Originality
Technical Skill and Craftsmanship
Creativity and Innovation
Emotional and Visual Impact
Relevance to the Theme

The final selection followed a rigorous, thoughtful jury process under the guidance of our esteemed international panel of artists and art professionals: Mr. Nihad Dukhan, Mr. A. Q. Arif, and Mr. Rasheed Butt. These icons of Islamic art guided us as consultants, but the Islamic Arts Society bears all responsibility for the finality of these results.

Choosing the winners from more than 1,200 remarkable submissions was an extraordinary challenge. Behind every artwork was an artist, a vision, and a deeply personal expression of love for the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Every submission contributed to a collective celebration of devotion through the universal language of art.

Today, we honor the artists whose works stood out for their distinctive vision, exceptional craftsmanship, originality, emotional resonance, and deep connection to the spirit of the competition.

To our winners and finalists, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Your work has become part of a global artistic journey that brings together hearts, cultures, and creative traditions in celebration of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

We extend our deepest gratitude to every artist who participated, to our distinguished jury, and to everyone who helped make this seventh edition a truly meaningful milestone for the Islamic Arts Society.

May these works continue to inspire hearts, transcend borders, preserve artistic heritage, and carry forward the timeless message of love and reverence for the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

With immense pride and heartfelt congratulations, we celebrate the winners of the 7th edition of Art for the Love of Muhammad (PBUH).

FIRST PRIZE TRADITIONAL: US $ 1000

ARTIST: Abdulrahman Hasan Ebrahim Al-Saeedi

COUNTRY: Turkey

TITLE: Mercy to the Worlds

MEDIUM: Ink on paper

SIZE: 77x87cm

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

“Mercy to the Worlds” is a traditional Arabic calligraphy artwork executed in the classical Islamic tradition. Created with black ink on natural muqahhar (burnished) paper, the composition is enriched with hand-applied colors and genuine gold leaf ornamentation. The work reflects the artistic lineage of classical Arabic calligraphy through its refined script, balanced composition, and intricate gilded arabesque decorations.

At its center is an artistic representation of the Green Dome of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah, symbolizing reverence and spiritual heritage.

The composition features the blessed names and noble attributes of the Prophet Muhammad, the names of all the Prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, and the Ten Companions Promised Paradise, celebrating their enduring spiritual legacy.

Inspired by centuries of Islamic manuscript illumination and calligraphic tradition, the artwork preserves the timeless aesthetics of Islamic art while expressing its spiritual depth, harmony, and devotion through authentic artwork.

FIRST PRIZE CONTEMPORARY: US $ 1000

ARTIST: Wajid Ali

COUNTRY: Pakistan

TITLE: 1501 (Fifteen hundred and one)

MEDIUM: Canvas

SIZE: 72/48 inch

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

Since this year, in Rabi’ al-Awwal, it will be 1501 years since the blessed birth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

In connection with 1501, I have collected and written exactly 1501 blessed names of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from various Islamic books. And with every name, it is mandatory to write (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

This means that this artwork is now a collection of 1501 names of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). And it is my good fortune that I have written 1501 exalted names.

I started this artwork on May 20, 2026, and finished it on July 4, 2026.

In this artwork, I used brown and gold the most. White and silver also appear in small quantities.

In this artwork, the writing is done in Old Thuluth and Nasta’liq scripts. Brown and gold are serious, dignified colors.

SECOND PRIZE TRADITIONAL: US $ 500

ARTIST: Salah Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mohamed

COUNTRY: Egypt

TITLE: Among the names of the Prophet – peace be upon him

MEDIUM: Black Japanese ink, gold Japanese acrylic color, white Japanese acrylic color, and green Japanese acrylic color on paper

SIZE: 47.24 x 47.24 inch (120 x 120 cm)

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

This collection has been carefully selected and consists of 312 names of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), chosen from approximately 800 names recorded in the referenced source on the Prophet’s names.

The artwork is executed in the Fatimi Kufic calligraphic style and features Islamic ornamental motifs.

The geometric ornamental composition of the names is designed in an original and innovative way, so each name serves as the foundation for its own unique design.

I chose this artwork’s concept for several reasons. The foremost is to introduce Muslim communities in the United States, neighboring cities, and Muslims throughout the Islamic world to the names of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to provide them with the opportunity to appreciate and reflect upon them.

Another reason is that most of these names express the Prophet’s attributes before his Lord, his distinguished status among people, and his noble qualities. They are mentioned in the Qur’an, other revealed scriptures, the teachings of the prophets (peace be upon them), the sayings of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and in the names by which his ummah (Muslim community) has affectionately referred to him and which have become widely recognized and accepted.

SECOND PRIZE CONTEMPORARY: US $ 500

ARTIST: Syed Zameer Ul Hassan (Zameer Shah)

COUNTRY: Pakistan

TITLE: Darood o salam (pbuh)

MEDIUM: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 35.5 x 47.5 inches

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

This artwork is created with acrylic paints on a 35 × 47-inch canvas. It combines shades of smoky grey, deep blue, turquoise, teal, white, and gold to create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The balanced use of cool and warm colors reflects the beauty of contemporary Islamic art.

The central design is inspired by the Mawaja Sharif found on the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH). At the center, the words “Aslam-o-Ahlaa Rasool Allah (PBUH)” are written in my own original calligraphy style, inspired by Kufic, Mushafee, and Sunbuli scripts. This unique style expresses both tradition and personal artistic identity.

Around the central calligraphy is a floral circular pattern containing the twelve blessed titles of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The repeated “Ya” and the Arabic letter “Noon” create rhythm, harmony, and spiritual meaning. The phrase “Salam on Rasool Allah (PBUH)” is written twelve times around the design, while the outer circle features Verse 56 of Surah Al-Ahzab, which sends blessings upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

On the right side, the artwork includes the names and honored titles of the five great Prophets, with the blessed name Muhammad ur Rasool Allah (PBUH) highlighted in a contrasting color. The left side is beautifully decorated with Durood-e-Ibrahimi.

Rich red, orange, and golden floral textures beneath the central calligraphy symbolize love, devotion, and respect for the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH). Overall, this painting conveys a universal message of peace, mercy, unity, faith, and love, inviting viewers to reflect on the spiritual beauty and timeless values of Islam.

THIRD PRIZE TRADITIONAL: US $ 200

ARTIST: Abdul Wahab

COUNTRY: Pakistan

TITLE: مرحبا یا مصطفیٰ صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ وَسَلَّم

MEDIUM: Goat Skin

SIZE: 40x30inches

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

First Verse: Welcome and greetings to you, O owner of the highest rank and honor!

Second Verse: O leader of all the Messengers! The one through whose means calamities and afflictions are averted.

Third Verse: You are the sanctuary on the Day of Resurrection; all of creation will rush to you for help.

Fourth Verse: And they will cry out, “You see what terrible dread and severe calamity has befallen us!”

Fifth Verse: Welcome, O light of my eyes! (Welcome) Welcome, O grandfather of Imam Hussain! (Welcome)

Sixth Verse: (At that moment, you will say: “I am for this task.”) You will then fall in prostration, and it will be called out to you: “Intercede, for your intercession will be accepted!”

Inner border: The name “Muhammad” is written in square frames, and in the center, “Marhaba Ya Mustafa” is written in Mushafi Kufic script.

The surrounding verses express deep love, reverence and devotion, describing the Prophet ﷺ as the bearer of the highest rank and honor, and recalling his role as a source of mercy and intercession.

The surrounding soothing floral arabesque pattern brings dignity and reverence to the central masterpiece

THIRD PRIZE CONTEMPORARY US $ 200

ARTIST: Furqan Ullah Jan

COUNTRY: United Arab Emirates

TITLE: Muhammad (saw)

MEDIUM: Acrylic, Gold foil

SIZE: 36×24 inches

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

The Prophet’s ﷺ name is presented in a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Moalla script, with the main calligraphy highlighted in gold foil giving the name Muhammad a luminous appearance.

Surrounding it are additional calligraphic elements featuring the Prophet’s ﷺ name and Hadith, set against a rich maroon background with subtle gold detailing.

The result is a modern yet deeply reverent tribute to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

ASLAM SALLEMI SPECIAL AWARD, TRADITIONAL $

ARTIST: Abdelfattah Taha Younes

COUNTRY: Egypt

TITLE: The Hilya Panel – The Prophet’s Mosque

MEDIUM: Ink on paper

SIZE: 70×50 cm

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

This is the first prophetic Hilya in Arabic calligraphy designed in the shape of the Prophet’s Mosque. The color palette was carefully selected to reflect the mosque’s actual colors, creating a beautiful, unique composition that combines the Jali Diwani and Ijazah calligraphic styles.

The artwork contains Qur’anic verses revealed concerning Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah…”, “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet…”, and “And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed…”, among others.

It also includes the name of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, along with the complete description of the Prophet as narrated by Hind ibn Abi Halah. Special ornamental motifs were created exclusively for this blessed work, enriching its artistic and spiritual character.

The piece was executed using various traditional inks on naturally prepared burnished paper, enhanced with gold coloring. This unique artwork represents a prophetic Hilya unlike any previously produced in this form, combining this distinctive design with these particular calligraphic styles.

ASLAM SALLEMI SPECIAL AWARD, TRADITIONAL $

ARTIST: Shabir Ahmed Mir

COUNTRY: United Arab Emirates

TITLE: Ascension

MEDIUM: Stainless Steel

SIZE: 20 (H) x 15 (W) x 12 (D) inch

DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:

Born from reverence for Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), this sculpture translates devotion into form. The sacred name Mohammad is not written, but liberated, calligraphic ribbons uncoiling from earth toward infinity. Its vertical thrust is an act of ascent, a visual metaphor for transcendence, for a soul that rose yet remained rooted in mercy.

Its skin is the hallowed green of Gumbad e Khizra, the Dome in Madinah. Here, the hue becomes a living mirror. It does not merely hold light, it disperses it, echoing how one prophetic illumination became guidance for all mankind, reflecting across centuries and continents.

Forged in stainless steel, the work asserts eternity. Impervious and enduring, it parallels the unshakable truth it honors. Beneath the ascent, intertwining arcs orbit and cradle one another, never colliding, always supporting, a choreography of wholeness. This spherical entanglement suggests cosmos, implying that compassion revealed in Arabia was never parochial, but a covenant of peace offered to existence itself.