Skills in Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic Calligraphy – 3-Month Course Outline

Duration: 12 Weeks (Approx. 120 Hours)
Mode: 5 Classes per Week, 2 Hours per Class

Month 1: Foundations of Arabic Calligraphy

Week 1: Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy

• History and evolution of Arabic calligraphy
• Importance in Islamic art and culture
• Overview of major styles (Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, Kufic, Ruq’ah)
• Tools and materials used

Week 2: Tools & Techniques

• Introduction to Qalam (reed pen), ink types, and paper
• Holding and controlling the pen
• Angle, pressure, and line thickness
• Practicing basic strokes

Week 3: Arabic Alphabet Mastery – Part 1

• Writing basic letterforms in isolation (Alif to Saad)
• Spacing, proportion, and alignment
• Stroke rhythm and visual balance
• Practice sheets and instructor guidance

Week 4: Arabic Alphabet Mastery – Part 2

• Writing letters (Dhad to Ya)
• Joining letters correctly
• Writing letters in different positions (initial, medial, final)
• Review and refinement

Month 2: Script Styles & Composition

Week 5: Naskh Style Calligraphy

• Understanding the rules of Naskh
• Letter anatomy in Naskh
• Writing short words and phrases
• Practicing Quranic verses

Week 6: Ruq’ah & Diwani Styles

• Characteristics and structure of Ruq’ah
• Writing fast and legibly
• Introduction to Diwani and its ornate style
• Advanced strokes and stylistic curves

Week 7: Thuluth & Kufic Exploration

• Majestic curves of Thuluth script
• Introduction to geometric Kufic
• Decorative compositions
• Balancing art and readability

Week 8: Composition and Layout

• Aligning calligraphy with frames and shapes
• Creating borders and flourishes
• Combining multiple scripts
• Planning a full-page design

Month 3: Creative Projects and Exhibition

Week 9: Designing Art Pieces

• Choosing verses or quotes
• Planning the layout
• Sketching and spacing guidelines
• Inking and finishing touches

Week 10: Using Colors and Backgrounds

• Ink blending techniques
• Gold leaf and traditional enhancements
• Background washes and textures
• Mounting calligraphy on canvas or frames

Week 11: Final Project Work

• Student-led project
• Apply learned styles and composition rules
• Instructor mentorship and peer review
• Draft, correct, and finalize

Week 12: Presentation & Certification

• Final exhibition of student work
• Group critiques and feedback
• Photography of final projects
• Awarding of certificates