Arabic Calligraphy (Fatimid Kufic Script)

Description

Course Description

Calligraphy is the art of making writing beautiful. Once associated with the divinity of the Holy Quran, its rank naturally rises. It further gains a high degree of spirituality as Allah takes an oath by the pen (Surah Qalam) and uses ink to explain His Majesty (Surah Kahf). This course introduces students to the basics of Arabic Calligraphy and provides a taste of this grand miracle of the Quran and the Unlettered Prophet (Peace and salutations of Allah be upon him). Students will form an understanding of how letters are formed, the tools used by Master Calligraphers of the Islamic world. Once familiar with the basic elements, students will explore artistic tools to express their connection with the written Arabic word.

Kufic named after the city of Kufa in southern Iraq. Kufic and its variants were used almost exclusively among early scripts for writing the Qur’an. This angular script used widely for writing religious and formal texts on different surfaces such as: paper, wood, stone, ceramic and textiles. Arabic calligraphy through the use of ornamental Kufic, became one of the most important design theme is Islamic Art, a great tradition which survives to this day.

The birth of Fatimid Kufic script was during the rule of the Fatimid Caliphate. The Fatimids claimed descent from Fatima bint Muhammad, the daughter of our Prophet Muhammad SAW. The field of architecture and art of Fatimid Kufic script derived from the Fatimid Empire under the establishment of Fatimid Caliphate. It started from North Africa and then spread out to Egypt, Syria and other parts of the regions.

The Fatimid Kufic script adorns the Islam’s sacred architecture including the Masjid al Haram in Makkah and Madinah.

For examples of the work produced by students, who had no prior experiences in this Calligraphy script, please view the gallery to see their final pieces.

Duration:

• 20 weeks (over 2 terms).
• 50 hours in total, 2 hours and 30 minutes each lesson

Prerequisites: None

Progression: Students may be interested in the ‘Calligraphy (The Riq’ah Script)’ course.

Students are required to purchase the following items for this course:

• Jakar Giant Bow Compasshttps
• 30cm Grid Ruler
• A4 graph paper – 5mm
• Tracing paper
• Paint brushes
• Mechanical pencils
• Eraser
• Coloured pencils

Students will be introduced to the script with a blend of theory and practical demonstrations. Regular feedback and tips on improvements will be provided. Students will explore various design possibilities and receive support in creating their own design. All via an online platform.

Assessment
Students may be assessed at the end of the course.

Course Delivery

This course will be delivered online.

Teacher: Sister Shabana Choudhury