New Zealand issues its first Islamic postage stamp in 2022
Islamic postage stamp issued for the first time in New Zealand
Last April, New Zealand Post issued its first Islamic postage stamp to mark Eid al-Fitr 1443 AH. The stamps feature Arabic calligraphy over a silhouette of a mosque, as well as the Hijri year 1443 AH, and bear the title “Eid Mubarak”.
The gilded stamps were designed by Arabic calligrapher Mohammed Waqas and his wife Sameera, who are of Pakistani origin. The couple moved to Wellington in December 2016. Mohammed says: “Initiatives like these are wonderful examples of inclusivity and recognition of minorities among us.”.
Arabic language on the stamp
Arabic calligraphy is a fundamental element of Islamic art and ornamentation, and geometric patterns, arabesque in nature, are used to embellish the script. Arabic calligraphy is sacred to Muslims because the Holy Quran was revealed in Arabic 1400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Over the centuries, the art of calligraphy has been refined and developed into a phenomenon of dedicated work and practice by Muslim artists worldwide. In Islamic architecture, Arabic calligraphy is also used to decorate the interior and exterior spaces of mosques and other buildings.
There are two main types of calligraphy styles – traditional and modern Arabic. The traditional Arabic style contains six main scripts. This stamp design incorporates a blend of modern and traditional scripts. The scripts include Thuluth, Diwani, Wisam, and Freestyle. Thuluth is considered the most elegant and beautiful script, possessing both charm and sophistication. Diwani is a cursive style of Arabic script that can be difficult to read and write due to its heavy, flowing form, while Wisam and Freestyle are modern and beautiful because of their curves, fluidity, and elegance.
Islamic character
The designer commented: "We used a custom geometric pattern on the stamp background, which is a key element of Islamic art. The dome shape is an illustration of the dome of the Al Noor Mosque (Christchurch).".
We used fresh and vibrant colors in these stamps, such as gold, green, blue, purple, and turquoise, to reflect the nature of the Eid occasion, which is about joy, care, and sharing love. These colors coordinate beautifully with each other and create the visual harmony that is an inherent characteristic of Islamic art.
What do these stamps mean for Muslim communities in New Zealand?
The inclusion of Islamic art on New Zealand stamps is a significant achievement for the Muslim community in New Zealand. Muslims in Aotearoa will be delighted by this beautiful gesture of cultural inclusivity and solidarity from New Zealand Post, which will foster a sense of belonging and raise awareness of this unique and beautiful Islamic art.
General comments on the character
Mohammed says: “Initiatives like these are wonderful examples of inclusivity and recognition of minorities among us.”.
He also said, “We feel lucky and proud to have been part of this historic project. New Zealanders will be able to see the beauty of Islamic art through these stamps.“.
Mohammed said: “New Zealand is an amazing country and has a large community in Wellington that will help you with anything.”.
Samira said the feedback they received from here and around the world was positive – with many congratulatory calls from the Muslim community.
Lynette Townsend, content manager for the New York Post Collectables program, said the stamps were visually striking and a great example of how we represent New Zealand’s ethnic diversity. “These stamps not only represent the dozens of nationalities, languages, customs, and traditions within the New Zealand Muslim community, but also reflect New Zealand Post’s commitment to recognizing the diversity of New Zealand’s population.”
Lynette said that New Zealand Post also worked with the Ministry of Ethnic Communities to ensure that the stamps were designed and focused on the Muslim community.
Information about stamps
The stamps come in denominations of $1.50, $2.80, $3.60 and $6.50.
The color palette includes a bold use of gold, and each character incorporates one of four complementary colors that have a specific meaning in Islam: turquoise, blue, purple, and green.
Unless the stock is exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until April 5, 2023. The first day covers will remain on sale until June 5, 2022.
Quoted from New Zealand Post
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Commemorative card for the holidays of 1443 AH
