Hi! Welcome to Sakina Studio!

I’m Sakina, a pharmacist and pastry chef by training, but the hat I enjoy wearing the most is that of an illustrator, something I haven’t learnt professionally but have enjoyed as a pastime since childhood!

Sakina Studio came to be, when last year, following a visit to Palestine, I drew an illustration of the Dome of the Rock mosque as a way of memorialising my trip. This was then the impetus to many other drawings I did of mosques that I had travelled to around the world, and now also includes those that others have visited! Alongside these drawings I write accompanying descriptions, of anecdotes recollecting not only the visits to the structures themselves, but also inspiring accounts of the journeys involved.

 

An illustration of my visit to Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem 

This journey for me has evolved into one that has shown me the unity within Islam, that one can be anywhere in the world, and the sanctuary of a mosque can act as a homecoming and a place of solace and belonging. I also wanted to use these drawings as a chance to share some of my favourite prayers in the Holy Qur’an, so you’ll find that each drawing has a related verse that I have written in Arabic calligraphy.

These drawings and their accompanying Quranic verses have been made into products like prints, postcards and tote bags, and every sale goes to support various charities worldwide. You can find information of the charities contributed to on each product page.

A workshop on Gaza’s destroyed mosques at the British Library

I also conduct workshops, promoting museum participation by marginalised groups and connecting them to their heritage. Past workshops have included collaborations with the British Library on topics such as mosques of the world and Mughal art, architecture, and history, using items from institutions like the V&A for inspiration. If you’re interested in attending, you can sign up via my mailing list or check my Instagram, which are regularly updated with new opportunities.

A workshop on art and architecture of the Mughal Empire at the British Library

I hope you enjoy browsing my site. May you be inspired to make your own journeys to these beautiful mosques, with the knowledge that ultimately it’s not about the grandness of the structures, but the sense of unity within them and that ultimately, God is with us wherever we are.

With love,