Option 1: Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style

5GENERAL INFO:

Subject: Arabic Calligraphy

Course Format: Online

Dates: Saturdays

September 9 - December 23, 2023 [Winter Break] January 13 - March 2, 2024

Time: 12 PM UTC (click to convert to local time zone)

Instructor: Haji Noor Deen Hoca

ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY IN THE CHINESE STYLE:

Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style (ACCS), also known as Sini Calligraphy, combines traditional Chinese and Arabic calligraphic tools and techniques, creating a unique fusion of Chinese and Arabic visual arts. Access to feedback and corrections from a master calligrapher is crucial for this class, ensuring real-time guidance to correct and refine your practice.

Our teacher, Haji Noor Deen Hoca, is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy and is credited with formalizing the ancient Arabic writing system in the Chinese tradition. The Ijaza (certificates of mastery) system has preserved the Islamic arts, including calligraphy, for over 1000 years. In 2019, Haji Noor Deen honored 30 students in China with an Ijaza of Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese style.

The purpose of calligraphy, inspired by the Divine, is to learn the mechanics of writing letters based on philosophical and spiritual understandings. It aims to discipline the nafs (the self). "Patience is Beautiful" is a message frequently reiterated by Haji Noor Deen Hoca to his students. Arabic Calligraphy is considered an Islamic science, akin to fiqh and Tafseer, as it preserves Allah's written Word and facilitates the purification of the nafs. Numerous texts on this subject have been written by scholars of the past and present. Understanding the intentions of these scholars in developing and preserving this Islamic science helps refine one's intention before embarking on the calligraphic path. May Allah grant Tawfiq (success) in all your endeavors.

ESTIMATED TIME COMMITMENT:

Students are expected to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours per week to attend live online classes, practice, and prepare their lessons for submission.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

North American students can buy supplies from the Islamic Art Supplies (click to view) store.

• Chinese wooden qalam no more than 1.5cm in width
• Felt or leather pad for under your paper
• Arabic calligraphy paper (glossy laser printer paper if not available)
• Ink, lika, and inkwell

Upon registration, you will receive an "Introduction to ACCS" video in which Haji Noor Hoca will discuss the required materials, including how to make your calligraphy pen and prepare your inkwell.

ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY IN THE CHINESE STYLE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM:

Apprenticeship is a method of gaining knowledge of a trade, art, or profession through the instruction of a master. In the case of calligraphy, it encompasses the trade, art, profession, and devotional act, with Haji Noor Hoca as the master. Students will progress together on this path, supporting and learning from one another, fostering community and camaraderie, and advancing from semester to semester to master the skills under their Hoca's guidance. The apprenticeship will continue until the master grants Ijaza (certificates of mastery) to the apprentices.

Classes will be conducted online using Zoom, and communication, sharing, and homework assignments will be managed through WhatsApp. The required materials will be discussed in a video you will receive upon registration.

Due to limited seating, we kindly request cancellations by July 22, 2023, to be eligible for a full refund.