The profound teachings of the Qur'an have captivated people for centuries, and among its parables and wisdom, the significance of nature, particularly plants, is highlighted throughout the
Muslim holy book. Now, visitors to Kew Gardens have the opportunity to witness the splendor of these plants through beautiful illustrations on display for a limited time.
Curated by Dr. Shahina Ghazanfar, a distinguished scientist and author of the book "Plants of the Qur'an: History & Culture," and New Zealand-based botanical illustrator Sue Wickison, the exhibition showcases a stunning collection of 30 paintings. Each artwork intricately depicts various flora mentioned in the Qur'an, such as garlic, pomegranate, grapes, and henna, along with information about their spiritual significance in the religious text.
The journey of creating these remarkable illustrations was no small feat. When researching for her book, Dr. Shahina Ghazanfar delved into ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform texts and explored semitic languages like Aramaic and Hebrew to trace plants that lacked modern Arabic names. According to her, each plant carries a profound historical and cultural attachment that must be cherished and preserved.
For botanical illustrator Sue Wickison, her interest in Quranic flowers was sparked during a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its exquisite ornamentation. The mosque's unusual botanical motifs, unlike the typical geometric patterns, caught her attention and inspired her artistic journey.
Sue's dedication to accurately and aesthetically depict the plants led her on a globetrotting adventure. From the mountains of the United Arab Emirates and Oman to the exotic locales of Fiji and Australia, she sought out these plants in their natural habitats. Working from living materials proved crucial to her artistic process, and she even cultivated some plants at her home in New Zealand to ensure precision in her illustrations.
The "Plants of the Qur'an" exhibition at Kew Gardens offers a captivating opportunity to explore the natural world through the lens of a sacred text. Visitors have until 17 September to immerse themselves in the beauty and significance of these plants. Tickets are available for purchase on the Kew Gardens website, with prices ranging from £2 to £24.00.
If you have an appreciation for both art and spirituality, this unique exhibition should not be missed. It provides a chance to see the natural world through the eyes of the Qur'an, connecting viewers to the profound wisdom embedded within the essence of these plants. Photo by Daniel Case, Wikimedia commons.