Learn the basics of Arabic calligraphy in the Naskh script via video lessons
Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh / May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
Dear fellow calligraphy enthusiast,
If you're on this page, it's probably because you were desperate to get to a calligraphy class but couldn't find one, or didn't have the time or resources to attend. Insha-Allah, I am here to help you on your first steps in your journey as a future calligrapher. If you are not here for the above, and just stumbled upon this page, then please read further.
Many years ago, I have been through a similar experience, and really wished I could take a flight to Turkey and not return until I have mastered the art of Arabic calligraphy. I searched online, and there were no courses for English speakers, although there are countless resources in Arabic. This meant that you needed to understand the Arabic language in order to access the content. Long story short, I did find a teacher in Cape Town (where I live), who inspired me so much that I decided to take up calligraphy for life. (Read more about me here).
Although I have not yet fully mastered this centuries old Islamic tradition, I felt that I could help people get started by running workshops and beginners courses in my community. In 2017 I ran my first workshop, and this continued mostly on a monthly basis. The 8 lesson course became popular and I soon took it to Durban and Bloemfontein as well. Last year we held our first International Arabic calligraphy exhibition called Seas of Ink, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Jameyyatul Qurraa institute. Master calligraphers from China, Egypt, South Africa and Turkey exhibited their masterpieces. The aim of this exhibition was to launch Arabic Calligraphers South Africa, our very own Arabic calligraphers guild. Please visit www.acsa.org.za for more info.
Why I am saying all of this, is to show you how my hunger for this knowledge grew into something much bigger, and in the process inspiring many people like yourself to take up this art. Of course, this is all through the will and grace of Allah. I hope that whatever your intention for learning is, may it be beneficial to you. Read below for further info about this course and how you can sign up.
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
Dear fellow calligraphy enthusiast,
If you're on this page, it's probably because you were desperate to get to a calligraphy class but couldn't find one, or didn't have the time or resources to attend. Insha-Allah, I am here to help you on your first steps in your journey as a future calligrapher. If you are not here for the above, and just stumbled upon this page, then please read further.
Many years ago, I have been through a similar experience, and really wished I could take a flight to Turkey and not return until I have mastered the art of Arabic calligraphy. I searched online, and there were no courses for English speakers, although there are countless resources in Arabic. This meant that you needed to understand the Arabic language in order to access the content. Long story short, I did find a teacher in Cape Town (where I live), who inspired me so much that I decided to take up calligraphy for life. (Read more about me here).
Although I have not yet fully mastered this centuries old Islamic tradition, I felt that I could help people get started by running workshops and beginners courses in my community. In 2017 I ran my first workshop, and this continued mostly on a monthly basis. The 8 lesson course became popular and I soon took it to Durban and Bloemfontein as well. Last year we held our first International Arabic calligraphy exhibition called Seas of Ink, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Jameyyatul Qurraa institute. Master calligraphers from China, Egypt, South Africa and Turkey exhibited their masterpieces. The aim of this exhibition was to launch Arabic Calligraphers South Africa, our very own Arabic calligraphers guild. Please visit www.acsa.org.za for more info.
Why I am saying all of this, is to show you how my hunger for this knowledge grew into something much bigger, and in the process inspiring many people like yourself to take up this art. Of course, this is all through the will and grace of Allah. I hope that whatever your intention for learning is, may it be beneficial to you. Read below for further info about this course and how you can sign up.
Who is this course for?
If you are an absolute beginner in calligraphy, and want to know the following, then this is for you.
If you would like to:
1. Learn about the basic history of Arabic writing
2. Learn how to make your own bamboo pen
3. Learn about the tools, inks and materials you can use for Arabic calligraphy practice
4. Learn to write the alphabet using a broad nib pen
IMPORTANT NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19 LOCKDOWN.
Due to the lockdown which is still ongoing in South Africa, arranging tool-kits may take a bit longer than expected.
I have made some videos on my Youtube channel showing you alternative means, tools and materials which you could use to follow the course should you not be able to purchase a toolkit or do not have the tools.
Please view these links
https://youtu.be/abiC-mWFvAA
https://youtu.be/nq7IF49-XEc
What does the course entail?
This course is part one of the full course which is usually done in Cape Town.
After you complete it, you can sign up for part 2 and 3.
You start learning how to make and maintain a bamboo pen, making marks and pen manipulation.
Then you will learn each letter in terms of its stroke, angle, and placement, size and proportion.
After doing each lesson, you may email pictures of your progress for feedback to [email protected]
Part 2 is about joining letters (Will be available soon)
part 3 is about writing words and sentences. (Will be available soon)
There's a 100 day challenge thereafter. and then a certificate is awarded.
What is the cost?
Part 1 costs R350, ($25 FOR NON SOUTH AFRICAN RESIDENTS) and once toolkits are availble again, you can order it for R500 (courier delivery costs an extra R99 via Postnet service to most major cities in South Africa.). if you are in Cape Town, you could arrange to collect your toolkit. Alternatively, speak to me via email or whatsapp (+27 835179023) to arrange.
Part 2 and 3 will be R350 each.
Proceed?
Please complete the form below. Once you submit the form, you will get the payment options.
Payments
South Africans please pay via the Payfast option, or use bank account details in the form below. Non South African residents will use the Paypal option.