Option 4: Introduction to Thuluth & Naskh Script with Haji Noor Deen

5GENERAL INFO:

Subject: INTRODUCTION TO THULUTH & NASKH SCRIPTS

Course Format: Online

Dates: Thursdays

(24 Weeks)

September 7 - December 21, 2023 

[Winter Break] 

January 11 - February 29, 2024

Time: 1:15 AM UTC (click to convert to local time zone)

Instructor: Haji Noor Deen Hoca

ABOUT THE COURSE

This is a semester-long course that immerses the student in the classical way of learning Arabic calligraphy (Thuluth and Naskh scripts), taught in the Osmanli (Ottoman) tradition for over five hundred years. Our teacher Haji Noor Deen Hoca is a master calligrapher of the Thuluth and Naskh scripts. Therefore, access to feedback and corrections by a master calligrapher is a crucial aspect of this class. This ensures that your practice is corrected and refined in real time by the teacher.

The Thuluth script is a beautiful, cursive script often used in Islamic architecture. The Naskh script is one of the first scripts in Islamic calligraphy and is often used in copies of the Qur'an.

The Divinely inspired purpose of calligraphy is to learn the mechanics of writing the letters, which are based on philosophical and spiritual understandings and are also a means of 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 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 to attend live online classes, practice, and prepare their lessons for submission.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Students can buy their supplies from the Islamic Art Supplies (click to view) store.

• Bamboo/reed qalam in sizes: 2mm and 3mm.
• Felt or leather pad for under your paper
• Arabic calligraphy paper ( alternative: glossy laser printer paper)
• 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.

ŞEY HAMDULLAH 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, 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 communication, sharing, and homework assignments will be managed through WhatsApp. The required materials will be discussed in a video you will receive upon registration.

Due to limited seating, we kindly request cancellations by July 22, 2023, to be eligible for a full refund.