The Ka'bah in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) is a significant structure in the religion of Islam. Every year, Muslims around the world make their way to visit the Holy Ka'bah for Hajj, a religious pilgrimage Muslims are obligated to fulfill at least once in their lifetime. On a daily basis, a Muslim is connected to the Ka'bah by praying in its direction (Northeast), no matter where they are in the world. In this gesture, God is worshipped—not the structure. Its symbolism of our devotion to The Creator as Muslims transcends culture, language, and geography.

This print serves as a blend of both culture and religion. It is symbolic of the artist's identity as a Muslim with the Ka'bah centered, and as a Mexican-American through the Ka'bah's representation in a papel picado—traditional Mexican celebratory decor. The design of this linocut print is original. It was conceived, hand-drawn, transferred to a rubber block, hand-carved, and printed by the artist.

Because the holy scripture (The Qur'an) and traditions of Islam are transmitted through classical Arabic, and holy places and structures central to the religion are in parts of the world such as Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia, the idea that anyone from the around the world can be Muslim seems... farfetched. However, this is far from the truth, as Latinos around the world are converting to Islam in mass numbers since the 1990's. In fact, Colombia in South America is a recent example of Latin countries seeing a rise in those embracing Islam in recent times.

Even in its title, this print is an intersection of faith and culture. "La Ka'bah" is a combination of Spanish (La/The) and "Ka'bah" is the English transliteration of Arabic. It aims to educate and remind those who reflect that devotion and submission to God as the Creator of the heavens and universe is for all of mankind. This is Islam at its core. It does not belong to one group of people based on lineage. It is not inherited. It is accepted by any individual seeking a connecting with God, regardless of race, culture, or location in the world.

This print is a reminder that Islam does not carry one, specific cultural identity. Islam as a way of life beautifies every culture as God is the source of all beauty.

Islam and Culture

Alyssa Victorin (Artist of Salaam Stamps)

9/15/2024 • (2 min read)