Introduction To Arabic Calligraphy

Description

The Qur’an: The Miracle That Gave Birth to an Art

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“نٓ وَالْقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسْطُرُونَ”

“Nun. By the Pen and what they write.” (Qur’an 68:1)

From the very beginning, the Qur’an draws our attention to the pen, writing, and the act of inscribing divine truth. Arabic calligraphy is not merely decoration; it is a way of honouring the sacred words that reshaped the world.

Our course will explore how these scripts developed, how they were used to preserve the Qur’an, and how calligraphers cultivated spiritual discipline through their craft.

Course Resources: Please purchase the required resources for the course here.

Level: Beginner. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Duration: 12 weeks.

Course Delivery: This course will be delivered online.

What You Will Experience Over 12 Weeks

1. Foundational Lectures

• The history of Arabic calligraphy
• The miracle of the Qur’an and its impact on writing
• The evolution of major scripts
• The spiritual philosophy of calligraphy in Islamic civilisation

2. Group Discussions

• How Muslims understood beauty as a reflection of divine perfection
• The role of calligraphy in mosques, manuscripts, and daily life
• Reflections on Qur’anic verses about writing, knowledge, and revelation

3. Live Demonstrations

• How to hold the qalam (reed pen)
• Preparing ink and paper
• Understanding proportions, angles, and rhythm
• Script‑specific demonstrations by experienced calligraphers

4. Hands‑On Practical Training

• Writing basic strokes and letter forms
• Developing control, balance, and harmony in your writing
• Creating your own final calligraphic piece by Week 12

Why This Course Matters

Arabic calligraphy is more than an art—it is a living miracle. It is the visual echo of revelation, the artistic legacy of the Qur’an, and a bridge connecting us to centuries of devotion. In a world of digital speed and distraction, calligraphy offers a return to stillness, presence, and mindful creativity.

Whether you are a beginner, a lover of Islamic art, or someone seeking a deeper spiritual connection, this course will open a door into a tradition that has shaped mosques, manuscripts, and hearts for generations.

Spaces are limited to ensure personalised guidance and a supportive learning environment.

Teacher Biography: Ustadh Jabed Choudhury

Ustadh Jabed graduated from the Institute of Islamic Education in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in 2003. Following his graduation, he received ijazah in Hadith studies under the guidance of Shaykhul Hadith Mufti Muslihuddin, Shaykh Yusuf Darwan, Shaykh Mufti Musa Badat, and Shaykh Abul Qasim. He also gained ijazah in al-Qirāʾāt al-Sabʿah wa al-ʿAsharah, studying primarily under Shaykh Imtiyaz Vali and later under Shaykhul Hadith Mufti Muslihuddin.

Islamic Calligraphy Training:

Ustadh Jabed was introduced to Islamic calligraphy by the renowned Khattat Haji Nazeer Ahmed Quraishi (rahimahullah), studying the Indian Naskh and Farsi scripts. He later trained in the Squared Kufic, Fatimid Kufic, Diwani, and Riqah scripts under the guidance of the acclaimed calligrapher, Dr. Nassar Mansour of Amman, Jordan, and is currently specialising in the Ottoman Naskh and Sulus scripts.