You can find prints of Hilya Sharif (and other artistic products) in Salahuddin’s and Tawfiq’s shop. See page ”Shops” for more info about the location.
An introduction to the Hilya Sharif
The Hilya Sharif is a calligraphic arrangement that originated in Ottoman times by Hafiz Osman, a dervish and an Ottoman calligrapher born in Istanbul (1642-1698). Osman was the tutor of Sultan Ahmed II, Mustafa II and Ahmed III. This beautiful design has historically been displayed in a prominent place in Muslim households throughout the world.
The Hilya Sharif is the beautiful description of our Noble Prophet ﷺ, generally it includes all these elements: the Basmala, also a large circle and inside it is the 7th hadith of the Shama’il: the narration related from Sayyiduna Ali (رضي الله عنه) in which he describes the physical features of the Prophet ﷺ. It has the names of the four khalifa and verses from the Qur’an.
It was from the practice of the early Muslims, that they would frame the Hilya Sharif and put it up in their homes, and teach it to their children. Everybody who would pass by the Hilya Sharif would send peace and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. So the Hilya Sharif would serve as a reminder that we have the Noble Messenger ﷺ within our homes and within our hearts.
This Hilya Sharīf above was written by Hafiz Osman.