Option 1: Introduction to Thuluth and Naskh Scripts

ABOUT THE COURSE

This is a semester-long course, which immerses the student in the classical way of learning Arabic calligraphy, as has been taught in the Osmanli (Ottoman) tradition for over five hundred years. This will be taught by our teacher Haji Noor Deen Hoca, a master calligrapher of the Thuluth and Naskh scripts.

The most important aspect of this class is having your work corrected by a master calligrapher so that in your practice you will not be continually copying mistakes. The Islamic arts are transmitted through the Ijaza system and calligraphy has been preserved for over 1000 years through this methodology. Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week for practicing, preparing one’s lessons for submission, and attending live online classes.

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. "Patience is Beautiful" is a message Haji Noor Deen Hoca repeats often to his students. Arabic Calligraphy 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.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Students can buy their supplies from Arabic Calligraphy Supplies.

• Bamboo/reed qalam in sizes: 2mm and 3mm.
• Felt or leather pad for under your paper
• 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 (1200-2000 grade)

In your first class with Haji Noor Hoca, he will discuss the history of Islamic calligraphy, materials, and how to prepare your homework.

SCHEDULE

Option 1: Group “Noor AlQalam نور القلم”

Thuluth and Naskh Scripts

May 30, 2021, to August 8, 2021, at 12:00 pm GMT

(Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel at least 7 days before the classes start. This allows us to fill your seat. If you cancel before 7 days, you will receive a full refund.)

Şeyh Hamdulllah Calligraphy Apprenticeship Program

Once you have joined the class, you will be initiated into the Şeyh Hamdulllah Calligraphy Apprenticeship Program. Apprenticeship is defined as "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, moving from semester to semester to master the skills according to their Hoca's instruction. Apprenticeships will continue until Ijazah (certificates of mastery) are granted by the master to the apprentice.

Click here to know more about the Şeyh Hamdulllah Calligraphy Apprenticeship Program.