Saadiyah Wazeer | The Na’layn Series; Al Azhar Mosque, Cairo

Saadiyah Halima
Visual Artist | Islamic Calligraphy | Stained Glass Specialist
Saadiyah Halima is a Chennai-born visual artist with over 28 years of experience specializing in Islamic calligraphy and stained glass techniques. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Stella Maris College, University of Madras, India.

Her artistic journey began during her high school years, driven by a deep appreciation for fine arts. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, she found her calling in stained glass—an expressive medium that allowed her to explore the spiritual and visual depth of Islamic art in innovative ways. Deeply inspired by the beauty of Quranic verses and the sacred geometry embedded in Islamic design, her work reflects a unique synthesis of tradition and personal devotion.
Saadiyah’s stained glass pieces are notable for their meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant color palettes. Using colored glass of varying textures, she creates compositions that integrate Arabic calligraphy with contemporary aesthetics.

Her works have been exhibited in cultural centers and galleries across India (Chennai and Bangalore), Mauritius, and Toronto, Canada. She has held ten solo exhibitions in these locations, gaining recognition for her distinctive style and technique. Over the past two decades, her work has reached a global audience, with commissioned pieces collected by clients in Singapore, the United States, Australia, Dubai, Germany, London, and Toronto.

Inspired by the interlacing kite-shaped patterns carved into the stone panels of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque, this stained glass artwork reflects the harmony of Islamic geometry. The design forms a radiant ten-pointed star, where each kite connects seamlessly to the next, symbolizing unity and continuity—like links in a timeless chain. To highlight its intricate structure, matte and iridized glass was carefully chosen in hues of golden yellow, deep blue, and pearlescent white,
creating a striking interplay of light and contrast. This dynamic use of colour emphasizes both balance and brilliance, echoing the traditional yet ever-renewing spirit of sacred art. The piece also ties into the Na’layn series, drawing on the symbolism of walking in the blessed footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ. It embodies ittibāʿ—the devoted following of his way—as a path of beauty, discipline, and divine remembrance, where geometry and faith merge in luminous expression.