Radiance of Ramadan: Wardah Asad reflects on art and the Holy Month

Wardah Asad’s artwork titled Ramadan Nights, she underlines, reflects the peaceful and spiritual essence of Ramadan. “I wanted to capture the serenity of this sacred month through the glow of lanterns, the crescent moon, and the illuminated mosque,” she says. “The iftar setting in the foreground symbolises togetherness and gratitude. Through this piece, I hope to convey the calm and blessings that make Ramadan nights so special.” The emerging artist, now well-known in UAE art circles, speaks about Ramadan and art to Gulf Today.

How does Ramadan inspire you as an artist?

Ramadan inspires me to create and capture the blissful and peaceful moments of this sacred month, especially its serene nights. The long, quiet nights filled with prayer and reflection, the fasting days that teach patience and gratitude, and the special time spent with family, all deeply influence my art. Living in a beautiful country like the UAE, where the spirit of Ramadan comes alive through stunning decorations, glowing lanterns and vibrant city lights, adds to the inspiration. The moment of sunset, when we gather to break our fast, is especially meaningful — it’s a time of togetherness, warmth, and reflection. Through my work, I want to preserve and share the beauty, tranquility and spiritual essence of the Holy Month.

A portrait with flowers.

What is the connection between creativity and spirituality?

For me, creativity and spirituality are deeply intertwined. Spirituality brings a sense of peace, reflection, and deeper meaning, which naturally fuels my creativity. During Ramadan, especially, I feel more connected to my emotions and surroundings, which influences me to create art that reflects those feelings. The quiet moments of prayer, the grace of gratitude, and the peaceful nights, all shape my artistic vision. Through my art, I try to express these emotions, using colours, light and symbolism, to capture the serenity and depth that spirituality brings to my life.

How will you express faith through art?

I think Islamic calligraphy, especially writing Qur’anic verses in appealing calligraphy on my canvas, is a powerful way to express my faith through art. It’s not just about the words or letters; it’s about bringing them to life in a way that connects them to spirituality. Calligraphy has always been a meaningful practice for me, as it allows me to honour the divine through art. One way I connect faith with my art is by painting subjects that play an important role in Islam. For instance, I’ve painted the Ka’aba several times, and I would love to create more pieces that reflect faith in this way. Through my artwork, I aim to capture the beauty and significance of sacred symbols, offering a visual connection to a spiritual journey.

Horse among stars.

What is the link between calligraphy and Ramadan?

When I think of calligraphy and Ramadan, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Qur’an, particularly Surah Al-Baqarah. Verse 185 of Surah Al-Baqarah says: “Ramadan is the month in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind.” This verse links Ramadan with the Qur’an, highlighting its significance. For me, calligraphy is a beautiful way to pay respect to this connection. Writing the verses from the Qur’an, especially those related to Ramadan, allows me to reflect on the spiritual importance of this month.

What symbols will you use to represent Ramadan?

I would choose the crescent moon. It is deeply connected to Ramadan, as it marks the beginning and end of the Holy Month. It’s a symbol of time, reflection and spiritual renewal, which are all key aspects of Ramadan. Another meaningful symbol would be a glowing lantern, often seen during Ramadan in many cultures. It represents warmth, guidance and the light of faith that shines during the sacred month. The lantern also reflects the idea of spreading kindness, generosity and spiritual enlightenment.

Wardah Asad is based in the UAE.

How will you like your readers to view faith-based art?

I would love my readers to view faith-based art as more than just the visuals it carries. Faith-based art is a reflection of beliefs, values and personal devotion, and I hope that when people see it, they feel a sense of peace and are inspired. For me, faith-based art is not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about capturing the essence of spirituality, whether through calligraphy, symbols, or themes that represent faith. I would like the viewers to look at the artwork and learn to appreciate the beauty of Islam more. Whether it’s a reminder of their own faith or its acceptance, a moment of reflection, or simply an appreciation for Islamic art, I want my work to leave an impact in some way.

Can you tell us about any artist or artists whose work on Ramadan has inspired you?

I have only been to one Ramadan-themed exhibition so far, which was Alif, Bridge to Soul, hosted by Funun Arts. I had the opportunity to see other artists create Ramadan-themed artworks. It was for this exhibition I created Ramadan Nights. What truly stood out was how perfectly each artist’s work fit the theme. Every piece reflected the essence of Ramadan beautifully. But the artist who inspired me most was Dhruti Shah, a 12-year-old artist from India. Her work, Dance of the Soul which depicted Sufis, was incredible, and what made it even more inspirational was her confidence and dedication at such a young age! Seeing her passion and talent has left a lasting impression on me.