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creation. Contemporary practitioners of Islamic art, encompassing artists and curators, commonly hold
the viewpoint that Islam permits various forms of artistic expression as long as they do not contradict the
principles and teachings of the religion (Daud, 2013).

Abstract art, encompassing paintings, carvings, and ceramics, is prevalent in contemporary Islamic
art inside Indonesia, manifesting across diverse artistic mediums. Upon closer examination, it becomes
evident that the incorporation of Islamic elements was undeniably initiated by abstract painters. There
existed a meditative abstract trend during the 1970s characterised by the creation of abstract artworks
that prompted contemplation and conveyed spiritual themes (Yustiono, 2005). Moreover, the suitability
of abstract works in Islamic art is attributed to their ability to transcend the representation of live entities.
It is widely acknowledged that the origins of abstract art are not rooted in either Islam or Indonesia.
Abstract painting is widely regarded as the epitome of Western contemporary art, symbolising the zenith
of Western modern art. Ultimately, it was the decision of numerous Muslim artists to convey their artistic
expressions in such a manner. The necessity of this requirement arises from the historical documentation
that indicates the early affiliation of modern Islamic painters with abstract art. Abstract painting, due to
its non-representational characteristics, possesses the unique quality of being exempt from fiqhiyah
limitations, thereby distinguishing itself as an exceptional phenomenon within the realm of art (Roslina,
2022).

Concept of “Tawhid”

In Islamic culture, the concept of 'aesthetics' was not there and traditional society did not employ
this term or any others with similar connotations. The contemporary Arabic term "jamaliya," which is
synonymous with aesthetics, and known as "ilm al-jamal," or the "science of beauty" (Che Man, 2015).
Both the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Sunnah are devoid of any explicit references to art. In
contrast, Muslims have no difficulty developing their own interpretations based on these two sources.
According to Hadith Muslim, the origins of Islamic aesthetics can be traced to a significant statement
made by the Prophet Muhammad. This hadith establishes the foundation of Islamic aesthetics and
demonstrates that Allah not only recognises and values aesthetic qualities, but also possesses inherent
beauty (Abou El Fadl, 2006). As mandated by Islam, the pursuit of beauty is a central precept of Islamic
art. However, this beauty corresponds with Allah's definition in the Quran, which may differ from our
modern conception. Despite the fact that human perception cannot completely comprehend Allah's
beauty, it can be appreciated in three ways: through His attributes, creation, and divine illumination. In
the Quran and Hadith, Allah's attributes are discussed at length, disclosing the myriad aspects of His
divine essence and ultimate beauty. In Islam, beauty is defined as a situation or condition that pleases
both the external and internal senses of the beholder (Ahmadrashidi Hasan, 2016). Ultimately, beauty
is anything that is pleasing or appealing, and the purpose of presenting beauty is to inspire the observer
to think of Allah. Theories of aesthetics are among the recognised expressions of emotion; in Islam, art
is the manifestation and expression of beauty, which is one of Allah's attributes. The work of art must
therefore depict not only the intensity and content of emotions, but also their fragility (Alzahrani, 2021).
Consider several of his most commendable qualities. The individual in question has a variety of titles,
including Al-Salam, which signifies a source of peace and tranquillity, Al-Wadud, which denotes a caring
character, and Al-Muhaymin, which represents the supreme protector and guardian. No transgression
is deemed irredeemable in the eyes of the divine, as the benevolent being possesses limitless mercy
that encompasses all aspects of existence, thereby precluding any form of separation from it. Moreover,

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