The Hilya Sharif by Yesarizade

The Hilya Sharif by Yesarizade

$189.99

This magnificent calligraphic work by the celebrated Ottoman master Yesarizâde Mustafa İzzet Efendi presents the sacred Hilye-i Şerif, a traditional representation of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ noble attributes. The composition features the elegant Basmala at its crown, a central medallion containing the exquisite description of the Prophet’s ﷺ character, surrounded by four smaller medallions bearing the names of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs.

Adorned with the Prophetic Portrait, this masterpiece exemplifies the pinnacle of Ottoman calligraphic art. Created to grace homes and spaces with spiritual presence, it invites contemplation of the Prophet’s ﷺ sublime qualities while serving as a constant source of blessings. Yesarizâde’s impeccable craftsmanship transforms sacred text into a visual devotion, making this work both an artistic treasure and an expression of deep love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Background

What is the Hilya Sharif?

The Hilya Sharif, or “The Noble Description,” is an artistic expression of love and respect for Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) through textual portrayals of his appearance and character. This practice honors the Prophet while adhering to Islamic tradition. Originating from accounts documented by the Prophet’s companions, the Hilya tradition evolved from simple descriptions to elaborate artistic expressions.

The Hilya’s artistic development peaked in the Ottoman era. More than just a historical artifact or beautiful artwork, the Hilya represents a universal expression of love and respect for Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him), transcending time and space. The Hilya Sharif endures as a symbol of Islamic art and spirituality. It demonstrates how art can connect individuals to the divine, encouraging reflection on the Prophet’s life and teachings. Continuing to inspire and guide believers, the Hilya Sharif serves as an emblem of devotion, beautifully weaving together art, history, and spiritual contemplation within Islamic culture.

Delving Deeper into its Meanings

At the top of the Hilya, the Basmala—the sacred phrase “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim” (“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”)—is prominently inscribed. This invocation serves as both a blessing and a profound reminder of God’s omnipresence and boundless mercy, setting a spiritual tone for the entire artwork.

This is the Heart of the Hilya and contains the Prophetic Portrait from the narration of Sayyidna Ali ibn Abi Talib (May Allah be please with him) who has been reported to have said:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) was neither excessively tall nor extremely short. He was of medium stature among his people. His hair was neither curly nor completely straight. He had a large head and a round face. His complexion was fair with a reddish tinge. His eyes were large and black, with long eyelashes. His joints were strong, and his body was lean. He had a line of fine hair running from his chest to his navel, but the rest of his body was almost hairless. He had thick palms and feet. When he walked, he walked with strength, as if descending a slope. When he turned, he turned his whole body. Between his shoulders was the Seal of Prophethood, and he was the seal of the prophets.“

Surrounding the Prophetic Portrait is the names of the The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them)—were the immediate successors of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They led the Muslim community with justice, wisdom, and devotion, establishing the foundations of the early Prophetic community.

The Hilya also features a central verse of the Quran describing the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) from Sura al Anbiya, which reads:

And We have not sent you but as mercy for all the worlds.

The final piece of the Hilya contains common prayers, verses, praises or descriptions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

A Closer Look at This Unique Piece

Yasin Art is Committed to Delivering High-Quality Art, Crafted With Care and a Focus on Excellence.

Meet The Artist

Yesarizade Mustafa Izzet Efendi

d. 1849

Yesarizade Mustafa Izzet Efendi was a distinguished Ottoman calligrapher, poet, scholar, and statesman, revered as one of the last great masters of classical Islamic calligraphy. The son of famed calligrapher Yesari Mehmed Esad Efendi, he mastered thuluth and naskh scripts under his father’s tutelage, developing an elegant style that earned him imperial favor. Beyond his artistic legacy, he served as a kadi (judge) in both Istanbul and Mecca, reflecting his deep religious scholarship and administrative acumen. As court calligrapher, he produced magnificent Qur’ans, architectural inscriptions (including those in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Mosque and Topkapı Palace), and exquisite hilye-i şerifs (calligraphic portraits of the Prophet). A polymath, he also composed poetry under the pen name “Izzet” and held key government roles during the Tanzimat reforms. His works epitomize the zenith of Ottoman calligraphic tradition, blending technical mastery with spiritual depth, while his judicial service underscores his multifaceted legacy as both an artist and Islamic scholar.

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