There is nothing in the art of Islamic calligraphy quite as illuminating as a hilya. It is a challenging and daunting undertaking due to the composition’s complex structure and layout.

The word ‘hilya’ has several meanings, including physiognomy, natural disposition, likeness, depiction, characterisation, and description. These dictionary definitions only begin to convey the real meaning of the hilye, which embodies moral, behavioural, and spiritual qualities, as well as physical appearance. Like most Arabic words, hilya carries multiple overtones, making it difficult to translate. It has connotations of ornament, beauty, finery, and embellishment.

It became widespread in Ottoman Turkey. There the calligraphers developed a particular style of writing it during the sixteenth century, which was perfected by Hafiz Osman, the master calligrapher of the late seventeenth century. These hilya, often imitated, are round, and beneath the circular frame that contains the description of the Prophet ﷺ, the line "Mercy for the Worlds" is written in large letters.

The translations of the Hilyas are as follows:

Our Master, Abu Bakr (Allah is pleased with him):

"The first companion to testify and the greatest of them undoubtedly; our master and liege-lord; Abu Bakr the truthful, had slight facial hair, was fair skinned and lean; his sarong would not hold tight to his waist. His face was slender and his eyes resonating. He had a raised forehead and his knuckles were hairless. He would apply henna and dye to his beard."

Our Master, Umar (Allah is pleased with him):

"The most just companion; the adornment of the pulpit and prayer-niche whose opinion accorded with the Divine revelation, the Qur’an; our master and liege lord; Abu Hafs, Umar ibn al-Khattab was light skinned with a ruddy tint and very tall. His hair was receding and grey. He was left-handed and extremely strong; neither fearful, nor weak. He would apply henna. His beard was thick and the tips of his moustache long. He walked quickly and when he spoke, it was heard; when he struck, it was felt."

Our Master, Uthman (Allah is pleased with him):

"The compiler of the Qur’an, perfected in humility and faith, our liege lord and master; Abu Amr, Uthman ibn Affan, was of moderate stature and extremely handsome with a delicate and light brown skin complexion. His beard was thick; his joints large and his shoulders broad. He capped his teeth with gold and had freckles."

Our Master, Ali (Allah is pleased with him):

"The preeminent lion of Allah, Imam of east and west, alleviator of difficulties and hardship, our liege lord and master; Abu al-Hasan, Ali ibn Abi Talib was brown skinned and was closer to being short than tall. His beard was thick, long, and dyed yellow. He had a beautiful face, a protruding midriff, and extremely black eyes."