Which of the following is not included in Islamic design conventions? (Revised)

• A. Calligraphy
• B. Figurative images
• C. Geometric patterns
• D. Repetition

Answer: (B)

In Islamic design, decoration moves toward abstraction and divine order rather than depicting living beings. Aniconism guides many religious spaces to avoid figural representations, so the common design vocabulary centers on calligraphy, geometric patterns, and repeated motifs that convey spirituality, precision, and infinity. Calligraphy is especially important because sacred text and inscriptions honor the divine, while geometric patterns and repetition create intricate, harmonious surfaces that reflect mathematical proportion and unity. Figurative images, depicting people or animals, are not part of the standard Islamic design conventions in religious contexts, which is why they aren’t included in the typical set of decorative practices.