How Did Classical Arabic Calligraphy Originate?
 
The Qur`an, in chapter 34, speaks of a golden age in Arabia, one of lofty gardens, rivers and exquisite vegetation throughout the peninsula.  It speaks of a time before the heaps of barren sand had swept Arabia as though they were plundering hordes of savages raging the land before them.  

For thousands of years after the decline of the golden age of Classical Arabic Dynasties, after the fall of the Sabeans in the South, the Thamudites and Nabateans in the North, the Arabs remained without any visual Artistic expressions.  They neither built beautiful and elaborate castles nor temples nor were they renowned for painting and sculpture.  The only artistic form of expression available to them, in a barren land, was their highly sophisticated and greatly expressive language.  Thus was the saying of ‘Umar Ibnil-Khattab, “This language (Classical Arabic) is the true artistic expression of a people who possess no other form of artistic expression.”

Before the advent of Islam, the main form of artistic expression utilized by the Arabs was their poetry and prose.  After Islam became established in Arabia, and literacy became commonplace among the Arabs; the Arabic script was beautified to a degree that no other linguistic script was.  After this, hundreds of Calligraphic scripts were developed.  Since Islam had tabooed the creation of divine and spiritual images and sculptures, the Arabs expressed their love of God and His religion through their calligraphy.   

After which, a visitor to the Arab world would see places of worship, homes, palaces, market places and utensils decorated with calligraphy.  

Islam had always praised literacy and namely writing.  After the battle of Badr, the Prophet, upon whom be peace, declared that teaching ten Muslims how to read and write was the ransom of prisoners of war.   

The Qur`an states, “He (God) is the one who taught the use of the pen” (Chapter 97, verse 4)   

Chapter 64 of the Qur`an is named Al-Qalam, which means ‘the Pen’.  The Chapter begins with an oath God makes glorifying ink, the pen, and that which is written.  

It is narrated that the prophet Solomon, upon whom be peace, was asked about speech, and he said, “It is air that does not remain. What causes speech to become eternal is for it to be written.”   

Beautify your script and add splendor to your words!    

Cordova Academy's calligraphy courses cover:  

a) History and evolution of Classical Arabic scripts

b) Calligraphic methods and hands-on workshops    

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