A hilyah is a written description of the physical and moral character of the Prophet Muhammad. As Orthodox Islam prohibits the depiction of figures, the hilyah presents a powerful verbal image of the Prophet, just as a painting presents a visual image. Hilyah may be found displayed in homes, mosques and offices. Muslim calligraphers turned the hilyah into a calligraphic form. The famous 17th century Ottoman calligrapher, Hafiz Osman, is believed to have invented the classical style of depicting the hilyah. As seen here, this classical style has the main part of the text contained within a crescent moon, with four medallions containing the names of the four caliphs, the Prophet's four companions. This style is still copied today. Beneath the circle is a description of the Prophet in large script. It reads ‘Mercy for the worlds.’
