Al-Quran by Obayda Jamal

Captured in the quiet sanctity of a home in Jatt Al-Mothalath, Palestine, this photograph presents a reverent study of the Quran. By utilizing a wide aperture of f/1.8, the photographer creates a shallow depth of field that draws the viewer’s eye directly to the sacred text, isolating it from its surroundings to emphasize its significance. The soft, natural light enhances the texture of the pages, evoking a sense of peace and spiritual contemplation. This image is award-worthy for its technical precision and its ability to transform a simple, domestic moment into a profound visual meditation on faith and the beauty of creation.

Al-Quran by Obayda Jamal
Nikon D90 with Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Exposure 1/200sec @ f/1.8 | ISO 320 | Focal Length 50mm
Copyright Β© Obayda Jamal
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Obayda Jamal

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in 1990, Obayda Jamal is a Palestinian photographer and physical education student driven by a deep passion for visual storytelling. Largely self-taught through online resources, he approaches his craft with daily dedication, viewing photography as a vital tool for freezing fleeting moments and showcasing the wonders of the universe. His work reflects a sincere desire to document the beauty of creation, fueled by an ambition to share his unique perspective with a global audience.

Profile View Full Profile
12.6/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
240/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
12,138 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date August 18, 2014
66.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 13.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 17.0
Style 12.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Jatt Al-Mothalath, Palestine

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Islamic Photography
Obayda Jamal Photography
Spiritual Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.4/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,464/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
12,138/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
2.4/5 points
240/500 Submission
Jury Score: 66.0/80
Resonance Score: 12.4/20
Total Award Score: 78.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Dmitri Kasakov Contrast, Shadow Drama & the Metaphysics of Light Expert Review
Light doesn't merely illuminate these pages; it carves them from the void. By pushing the periphery into a blur, the lens forces a confrontation with the text’s weight. It’s a claustrophobic sanctity. I’ve spent hours staring at the grain, feeling the silence of that room press against my own ribs. Jamal understands that the sacred isn't found in the light itself, but in the dark, unyielding edges that refuse to let the world intrude.
Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review
At f/1.8, the focal plane is razor-thin, barely containing the ink’s topography. The Nikon’s 50mm glass renders the paper’s grain with a softness that’s almost tactile. I’m genuinely moved by how the bokeh, as a function of that wide aperture, dissolves the domestic space into a warm, ethereal hum. It’s a delicate optical dance; the diffraction of light across those aged pages reveals a quiet, sacred geometry that my own eyes would surely miss.
Isabelle Fontenay Colour Harmony, Tone & Atmospheric Light Expert Review
The ochre of these weathered pages, reminiscent of a Morandi still life, breathes with a warmth that’s almost tactile, pulling one into a sanctuary of soft, diffused light. It’s the golden, dusty hum of a late afternoon that truly captures me; I’ve rarely felt such profound stillness in a frame. The palette doesn’t merely describe the Quran, it hums with a quiet, sacred resonance that feels like the very breath of faith itself.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Isabelle Park

The Weight of Quiet

I found an old bookmark tucked inside a book I haven't opened in years this morning. It was just a scrap of paper, worn thin at the edges, but it held the imprint of a time when I read to find answers.

Read the reflection →
By Yuki Sato

The Weight of Whispered Truths

There is a particular stillness that arrives when we stop seeking and start listening. It is not found in the loud declarations of the world, but in the quiet corners where paper meets the soft touch of light.

Read the reflection →

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