Option 2: Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style

MEETING INFO:

Date Range: January 9 - March 27, 2022

Times: 2 AM UTC | 8 PM CST | Course Format: Online

Scholarship Application Form: Click Here

ABOUT THE COURSE:

Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style (ACCS), also called Sini Calligraphy, is a combination of traditional Chinese and Arabic calligraphic tools and techniques that uniquely fuses the Chinese and Arabic visual arts. Access to feedback and corrections by a master calligrapher is a key aspect of this class. This ensures that your practice is corrected and refined in real-time by the teacher.

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 calligraphy has been preserved for over 1000 years through this methodology. 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 not only learning the mechanics of writing the letters, which are based on philosophical and spiritual understandings, but 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.

ESTIMATED TIME COMMITMENT:

Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week for attending live online classes, practicing, and preparing one’s lessons for submission.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

North American students can buy their 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 materials and supplies needed, including how to make your own calligraphy pen and prepare your inkwell.

ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY IN THE CHINESE STYLE 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 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. Materials needed will be discussed in a video you will receive once you register.

We have two different class times (option 1, option 2)  to accommodate the various time zones as Haji Noor Hoca has students worldwide. You are registering for:

Option 2: Group “Al Ilm Noor العلم نور.”

Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style (ACCS)

Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel by December 18, 2021, to receive a full refund.