Naskh (script) facts for kids
Naskh is a special type of handwriting or script used mainly for writing the Arabic language. It's one of the most common and important styles of Arabic calligraphy. Think of it as a clear and easy-to-read way of writing Arabic, especially for books and official documents.
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What is Naskh Script?
Naskh means "copying" in Arabic. This name fits perfectly because it was widely used by scribes to copy books. It's known for being very neat and readable. Unlike some older, more angular Arabic scripts, Naskh has rounded letters and is quite elegant. This makes it a great choice for long texts, like the Qur'an, which is the holy book of Islam.
Why Naskh is Important
Naskh became very popular because it's easy to read and write. This made it perfect for copying the Qur'an, which helped spread the script throughout the Islamic world. It also became the standard script for many other books, letters, and documents. Even today, many Arabic newspapers and books use a style very similar to Naskh. It's like the "Times New Roman" or "Arial" of Arabic scripts!
History of Naskh
Naskh script started to develop in the Abbasid era (around the 10th century). Before Naskh, a script called Kufic was more common. Kufic was very angular and decorative, but sometimes harder to read quickly. Calligraphers wanted a script that was faster to write and clearer.
Over time, Naskh evolved. Famous calligraphers like Ibn Muqla and Ibn al-Bawwab helped refine its rules and make it more beautiful and standardized. By the 13th century, Naskh had become the most popular script for copying the Qur'an and other important texts. It was used across a huge area, from Spain to India.
How Naskh Looks
Naskh letters are generally smaller and more rounded than Kufic. They are also more evenly spaced. This gives the text a flowing and harmonious look. Each letter has a clear shape, which helps with readability. It's designed to be efficient for scribes who needed to copy many pages accurately.
Modern Use of Naskh
Even in the digital age, Naskh remains very important. Most Arabic fonts you see on computers and in print are based on the Naskh style. This shows how timeless and practical this script is. It connects modern Arabic writing back to centuries of tradition and beautiful calligraphy. When you read an Arabic newspaper or a book, you are likely seeing a modern version of Naskh.
Images for kids
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Al-Fatihah surah written in Naskh script
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A 14th- or 15th-century Qur'an with its main text in Naskh
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A stonepaste dish from 13th century Iran with a poem in Naskh around its rim.
