Islamic Calligraphy

Islamic calligraphy, or Arabic calligraphy, is the artistic practice of handwriting and calligraphy, based upon the Arabic language and alphabet. The development of Islamic calligraphy is strongly tied to the Qur'an; chapters, and excerpts from the Qur'an is a common and almost universal text of which Islamic calligraphy is based upon. As Islamic calligraphy is highly venerated, most works follow examples set by well established calligraphers, with the exception of secular or contemporary works. 

In antiquity, a pupil would copy a master's work repeatedly until their handwriting is similar. The most common style is divided into angular and cursive, each further divided into several sub-styles.


The traditional instrument of the Arabic calligrapher is the qualm, a pen made of dried reed or bamboo; the ink is often in colour, and chosen such that its intensity can vary greatly, so that the greater strokes of the compositions can be very dynamic in their effect.




The Islamic calligraphy is applied on a wide range of decorative mediums other than paper, such as tiles, vessels, carpets, and inscriptions. Before the advent of paper, papyrus and parchment were used for writing. The advent of paper revolutionised calligraphy. 

Join us on the 27th June at Lal Qila in Manchester for calligraphy workshop with Ismail Hussayn and 3 course meal.

More info here on our facebook page

Or call us on 01282 604055

Join us for The Creative Ummah: Religion through Contemporary Islamic Art.

Join us for an evening of live calligraphy workshops with Ismail Hussayn, and a 3 course meal at MGR's dinner event on Saturday 27th June at 7pm at Lal Qila in Manchester. 

Calligraphy is the most highly regarded and most fundamental element of Islamic Art. It is significant that the Qur’an, the book of Allah (swt) containing the revelations to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was transmitted in Arabic.

This charitable event is to increase awareness and raise donations for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the people displaced in Gaza - this Ramadan they do not have the same food luxury as we do. Please help us to reach a thousand fasting Syrians/Gazans with £3 per person per meal, through this event. 

Tickets are £20pp or £180 for a table of 10.

Call our booking hotline: 01282 604055. Or buy from our office or nominated outlets. 

Not to be missed!

Winter Appeal

CHILDREN’S LIVES FROZEN IN SYRIA AND GAZA

We have launched our 2015 Emergency Appeal to distribute aid to the displaced Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the internally displaced people in Gaza, aiming to alleviate their sufferings amid the severe cold weather hitting these regions. Until March this year, winter temperatures will drop well below zero. These freezing weather conditions will aggravate their plight.

We desperately need to provide blankets, winter clothes, heaters and diesel fuel to thousands of vulnerable families in these areas and as such, your donations are crucial. 

8 year old Sabeen’s home was destroyed by the fighting in Syria, she’s been a refugee in Lebanon for over a year now. “I used to go to school where I could learn and see my friends. I want to go back home but I can’t. We are living in a tent, Mum tries her best to keep us warm. I pray to God to stop the rain and the snow.” Your donations will help Sabeen and her family survive the freezing temperatures.

WILL YOU COME TO THEIR AID?

• £20 for a clothes pack for children
• £20 for a bedding pack (mattress, blankets) 
• £60 to provide food for a family for 1 month
• £200 to provide a family with 1 month of food and fuel, plus clothing and blankets.