The poem, Remember To Remember was inspired by this painting.
The idea for this special piece of art had been whirling in my heart for over a year and to finally have it come into fruition in collaboration with talented artist Mahya Shamai, is such a testament to Allah’s grace. It may look like a photograph, but this work is an oil painting on beautifully sanded wood.
It’s in the simplicity of this work that I find its profound beauty. From the intentional spaciousness, the surrendered hand in remembrance arriving from the sky gives a feeling that the heavens are closer, as if they themselves are in dhikr, because after all everything is “extolling the praise of Allah.”
It is a reminder that the universe has never stopped repeating the Name of Allah, and that the human heart is always and in all ways being invited to return to that rhythm, that sweet, ancient flow of Divine Love that awakens and sustains all life.
We intentionally wanted the painting to not crowd the viewer, rather to invite them gently inward. A quiet reminder that Allah is always near. Remembrance is not just praise, it is not just meant for mosques and moments of crisis, it is meant to perfume your breath amidst the everyday moments of life with the sacredness of taqwa, of a mindful awareness of Allah that seeps into your cells and calls you into surrender.
May this painting gently anchor us into the presence of dhikr. As the Qur’an reminds us, may this reminder call us to not just remember Allah with our words but to live from the remembrance for Allah in everything that we do. “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)
For those who are interested in either the Original oil painting or a limited edition museum quality print check out www.theholyartifacts.com
I pray your Ramadan continues to be blessed in grace, mercy, and beauty.
In prayers of light upon light,
A. Helwa
