Option 2: Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style

GENERAL INFO:

Subject: Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style

Course Format: Online

Date & Time : 

Sundays, 2 AM UTC

May 7  - June 25, 2023

[Eid Break]

July 9 - 30, 2023

Course Price: $199 USD (monthly payments option available at checkout).

Scholarship Application Form [click to access]

Instructor: Haji Noor Deen Hoca

ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY IN THE CHINESE STYLE:

Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style (ACCS), also called Sini Calligraphy, combines traditional Chinese and Arabic calligraphic tools and techniques that uniquely fuse the Chinese and Arabic visual arts. Access to feedback and corrections by a master calligrapher is crucial for this class. This ensures that the teacher corrects and refines your practice in real time.

Our teacher, Haji Noor Deen Hoca, is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy and is responsible for the formal codification of the ancient Arabic writing system in the Chinese tradition. The Islamic arts are transmitted through the Ijaza (certificates of mastery) system, and this methodology has preserved calligraphy for over 1000 years. For the first time in China, Haji Noor Deen honored 30 students with an Ijaza of Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese style in 2019.

The Divinely inspired purpose of calligraphy is to learn the mechanics of writing the letters, which are based on philosophical and spiritual understandings, and aims at disciplining the nafs. "Patience is Beautiful" is a message Haji Noor Deen Hoca often repeats to his students. Arabic Calligraphy is considered an Islamic science (akin to fiqh and Tafseer) because it preserves Allah's written Word and 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.

ESTIMATED TIME COMMITMENT:

Students are expected to allocate 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 materials and supplies needed, including how to make your calligraphy pen and prepare your inkwell.

ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY IN THE CHINESE STYLE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM:

Apprenticeship is "the method or process of gaining knowledge of a trade, art, or profession from the instruction of a master." In this case, calligraphy is the trade, art, profession, and devotional act, and the master is Haji Noor Hoca. Students will travel together on this path, supporting and learning from one another, creating community and camaraderie, and moving from semester to semester to master the skills according to their Hoca's instruction. 

Apprenticeships will continue until Ijaza (certificates of mastery) are granted by the master to the apprentice.

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

The materials needed will be discussed in a video you will receive once you register.

Due to limited seating, we request you cancel by February 1, 2023, to receive a full refund.