The Sun Will Rise Again: Illuminating Hope Through Art

In one of my latest artworks as part of the Illuminate Collection, The Sun Will Rise Again (2025), I explore the profound interplay between darkness and light, despair and hope, through the timeless lens of Islamic illumination. This piece is part of a series of five works, each delving into the themes of night and day, and their spiritual symbolism.

Created using ink, 23.5k gold leaf, diamond dust, and hand-ground pigments on indigo-dyed wasli paper, this piece draws inspiration from the Qur’anic verses:

“By the morning brightness, and by the night when it covers.” (Surah Ad-Duha, 93:1–2)

The central elements of the painting are the intricate semi-shamsa patterns - traditional sunburst motifs representing the sun and moon. The luminous gold leaf and the textured diamond dust speak to both the grandeur and fragility of existence, while the indigo-dyed background grounds the composition in a deep, contemplative atmosphere.

At its heart, The Sun Will Rise Again is about resilience. It is a reminder that just as the sun returns after the longest night, so too can we emerge from our own moments of darkness. Surah Ad-Duha, a chapter often recited for solace during difficult times, teaches us that no sorrow is eternal, and that Allah’s mercy is ever-present.

This work also reflects my ongoing exploration of how traditional Islamic art can become a vessel for expressing emotions- particularly around depression, anxiety, and the journey toward healing. The duality of night and day becomes a metaphor for our internal states, constantly shifting yet held together by divine rhythm.

With this piece, I invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences of darkness and renewal. May it remind us all that even when life feels obscured, the morning light is already on its way.