Saadiyah Wazeer | The Na’layn Series; The Umayyad Mosque

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.

“Ittiba” means to follow or emulate the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This series draws inspiration from the Na’layn—the symbolic outline of the Prophet’s sandal—as a reminder to walk in his blessed footsteps. In this stained glass piece, I’ve incorporated geometric motifs inspired by the
mosaics of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. Completed in the 8th century, the mosque is one of the oldest and most revered in the Islamic world, celebrated for its majestic architecture and breathtaking mosaics. These mosaics, rich in greens, golds, and blues, depict
serene landscapes and abstract patterns—masterfully combining Byzantine techniques with early Islamic artistry. I’ve interpreted these designs using stained glass in shades of teal and white, enhanced by an iridescent finish that reflects rainbow hues in shifting light. The interplay of color, form, and sacred symbolism invites reflection on beauty, tradition, and the enduring legacy of the Prophet’s path.