Option 2: Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style

This is a semester-long course that fully immerses the student in the styles and traditions of writing Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese style, as has been practiced for hundreds of years.

Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style (ACCS) is a combination of traditional Chinese and Arabic calligraphic tools and techniques, that uniquely fuses the Chinese and Arabic visual arts. Our teacher, Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy and is responsible for the formal codification of the ancient Arabic writing system in the Chinese tradition. In 2019 for the first time in China, he honored 30 students with an Ijaza of Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese style.

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.

MATERIALS: 

• 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 materials and supplies needed, including how to make your own calligraphy pen and prepare your inkwell.

Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style (ACCS) 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.