Arabic Calligraphy Appreciation

The Arabic Calligraphy Appreciation course is 6 weeks long and introduces the student to an awareness of the world of calligraphy and the discipline required in learning to be a calligrapher.

While this course is not on the path to ijaza (certification) in Arabic calligraphy, it is a way to take an intellectual and hands-on look at how Arabic calligraphy is taught formally. The most important aspect of this class is understanding the anatomies of letters in the Thuluth script by writing them and analyzing the works of some famous calligraphers. The Islamic arts are transmitted through the Ijaza system and calligraphy has been preserved for over 1000 years through a very strict methodology. This course creates an awareness and appreciation of this tradition. Our teacher, Farzana Razzaque is a calligrapher and artist who is training in the Osmanli (Ottoman) tradition of the Naskh and Thuluth scripts. Students are expected to allocate approximately 4 hours per week for practicing, preparing one’s lessons for submission, and attending live online classes.

Farzana Razzaque will explore a brief history of Arabic calligraphy and proceed with interactive and hands-on classes that allow students to experience the world of calligraphy. You will be learning how to hold a bamboo pen (qalam), how to use ink, and prepare an inkpot. Students will also learn how to write letters with a breakdown of how to approach the construction of a letter.  An artistic approach will also be taken for those who enjoy the creative aspects of calligraphy.

The Divinely inspired purpose of calligraphy is not only learning the mechanics of writing the letters, which are based on philosophical and spiritual understandings but is also a means of disciplining the nafs. It is considered an Islamic science (akin to fiqh and tafseer) because it preserves the written Word of Allah, and it is a means of purification of the nafs. There are many texts on the subject written by present and past scholars. Understanding the intentions of the scholars who developed and preserved this Islamic science helps refine one's intention before embarking on the calligraphic path. May Allah Grant Tawfiq to all of your endeavors.

Classes will be conducted online using Zoom, and Whatsapp will be used for communication, sharing, and homework.

MATERIALS

North American students can buy the Arabic Calligraphy Starter Kit from https://www.seharshahzad.com/calligraphymaterials. International students, please check availability locally and online.

• Bamboo/reed qalam in sizes: 2mm, 3mm, and/or 5mm
• Arabic calligraphy paper (glossy laser printer paper if not available)
• Ink, lika, and inkwell
• Leather hand rest (other materials are also acceptable)
• Knife for sharpening the qalam (kalem terash, Olfa cutters, or Olfa heavy-duty cutters)
• Maqta': for cutting the nib of the qalam. Scissors can be used as well.
• Fine sandpaper
• Color pencils/paint (as per students’ creative wishes)

ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS:

• Chisel tip marker
• glossy laser printer paper

GENERAL CURRICULUM

Week 1: Brief History, Symbolism of Arabic Calligraphy. Introduction to writing rules and materials.

Week 2: Writing and understanding the  “Rabbi Yassir” line in the Thuluth script.

Week 3: Writing the Arabic alphabet (ا-د), analyzing a calligraphy piece. Create art using Arabic calligraphy.

Week 4: Writing the Arabic alphabet (ر-ط), analyzing a calligraphy piece. Create art using Arabic calligraphy.

Week 5: Writing the Arabic alphabet (ل-ع), analyzing a calligraphy piece. Create art using Arabic calligraphy.

Week 6: Writing the Arabic alphabet (ه-ى), analyzing a calligraphy piece. Create art using Arabic calligraphy.

OUR INSTRUCTOR

Farzana Razzaque is the Calligraphy Program Specialist at Deen Arts Foundation.  She is an artist and calligrapher who focuses on the art of the Muslim world. Farzana holds an undergraduate degree from the School of  Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a student of Calligraphy in the Ottoman tradition under Master Calligrapher Haji Noor Deen. She has completed her calligraphic coursework and will be receiving her Ijazah in the Thuluth and Naskh scripts this summer.