Arabic Calligraphy to Beginners
How has an art form of calligraphy stood the test of time for centuries, and how is it so relevant even today? Yes, we are talking about Arabic calligraphy or Islamic calligraphy as you call it.
Islamic calligraphy is so revered because it’s a lifelong journey, and not exactly a course or a lesson that can be mastered within a year or a few months. It takes utmost dedication and lots of practice to do it the right way.
Although the main function of Arabic calligraphy is strongly associated to the holy book Quran, it was also used for a variety of things, embellishing almost every mosque, gracing every monument of historical significance in Islamic culture, and even creating employment for people to create works of art. Apart from this, the Arabic calligraphy has made its presence felt on ceramics, metalwork, carpets, wood carvings, and the monumental Taj Mahal!
Arabic calligraphy’s most notable contribution till now is the written script and words on paper, used to communicate. And this was not only limited to Islamic texts, as many ancient Bibles have been transcribed in the Arabic script.
Then came the various script forms of the Arabic calligraphic styles, with new evolvements and modifications over a period of time. A few Arabic scripts, especially Thuluth & Kufic, were wholeheartedly dedicated to architecture. One of the earliest instances of Arabic architectural inscription can be found in Jerusalem’s Dome of The Rock. It also adorns the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo.
At many places, calligraphers used geometric symmetry to depict a script, like the Kufic script used in Bibi-Khanym mosque in Samarkand, acting as a symbol of distinctiveness and a signature of finesse.
Also, Islamic art is something which is easy on the pocket in today’s world, which is why most Muslims do not hesitate in opting for it. All you need is a Kagaz, a Qalam, some ink, and lots of passion.
Talking about passion, we at Qalam aur Kagaz teach Arabic calligraphy to beginners with a lot of heart and soul. Our course curator, Mr. Salim Khan, has been at the helm of things of Arabic calligraphy and the Thuluth script for decades now. He has mastered the basics as well as the advancements of Islamic calligraphy, and wants to pass on the baton to new, dedicated learners who want to embrace calligraphy and learn the Thuluth script, as well as other aspects of Arabic calligraphy.
After all, it’s all about embracing the art form and connecting with oneself, and that is what we at Qalam Aur Kagaz focus on.
dyaneshwarkamble 