• University of Malaya logo

Islamic Calligraphy: An Introduction to the Art of Handwriting

Understand the basics of Islamic and Arabic calligraphy and develop your calligraphy skills.

10,586 enrolled on this course

Islamic Calligraphy
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

Try your hand at Islamic calligraphy and learn its history

Islamic calligraphy has long been admired for its beautiful form and line work. As an art form it actually includes various other types of calligraphy including Arabic, Persian and Ottoman.

In this course you’ll learn and practice basic lettering by completing a series of basic writing exercises. You will also learn about the writing tools used in Islamic calligraphy. By practicing and exploring the history of Islamic calligraphy you will develop a greater understanding and appreciation for this striking art form.

Skip to 0 minutes and 12 seconds Assalamualaikum. My name is Anis Amni Binti Rohime. Welcome to the Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy. Throughout this course, you will be introduced to the beauty of Malay calligraphy, which is basically a modified form of Islamic calligraphy. Confused? Don’t be — it is actually quite simple. Generally speaking, the Malays follow the Islamic faith, and Malay cultures are very influenced by many aspects of Islamic philosophies. This is especially apparent in visual art forms such as calligraphy, which you will learn about here. This course is designed for those with an interest in this art, but have never tried learning its finer points.

Skip to 1 minute and 3 seconds As part of this course, you will learn about the background of islamic calligraphy, and some basic techniques on how to write your own. We will be covering four learning outcomes.

Skip to 1 minute and 14 seconds By the end of the course, you will be able to: First, introduce the concept of calligraphy Secondly, explain the history of calligraphy Thirdly, identify the types of calligraphy and lastly, demonstrate the finesse of calligraphy writing according to the right methods. Come and join us on this interesting journey to gain new knowledge and skills.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy

    • Getting Started

      Learn how to use FutureLearn, meet your Islamic calligraphy tutors and find out what's coming up in the course.

    • Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy

      Learn about the existence of Islamic Calligraphy and get to know its types.

    • Painting done by Dr Nor Azlin Hamidon

      Gallery

      Dr Nor Azlin Hamidon Biography and painting gallery.

  • Week 2

    Basic essentials of Islamic calligraphy

    • Essential tools for Islamic calligraphy

      Learn about the important tools in Islamic Calligraphy and a basic technique on how to prepare your own pen.

    • Calligraphy written by Dr Nor Azlin Hamidon

      Basic Calligraphy Writing

      This activity will guide you to basic Riq'ah Writing. This involves the correct letter measurement and position of letters above and below the baseline.

  • Week 3

    A Practical Guide to Islamic Calligraphy

    • Painting done by Dr Nor Azlin Hamidon

      Start Your Own Calligraphy Writing

      In this week, you will learn on how to write basic arabic characters in Riq'ah form.

    • Writing in Riq'ah

      Writing in Riq'ah

    • Riq'ah Calligraphy: Writing Demo

      Riq'ah Calligraphy: Writing Demo

    • Feedback

      Feedback & Suggestion

      Please comment on the course run and any suggestion for our improvement.

    • Universiti Malaya main entrance.

      Join our University

      Would you like to learn more about Malay Studies? Come join us at the Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the concept of writing and the history of calligraphy
  • Identify types of calligraphy and artefacts related with calligraphy
  • Assess the art of calligraphy in terms of contextual and aesthetic values
  • Demonstrate the finesse of calligraphy writing according to the right methods

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone who love history, interested in the art or handwriting. You don’t need any previous experience.

What software or tools do you need?

To take part in this course you will need a basic set of suitable pen for calligraphy, bamboo, knife, ink, inkwell and 120 gm glossy papers.

Who will you learn with?

Nor Azlin Hamidon

(Lead Educator)
Head of Malay Socio-culture/ Malay Arts Department at Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya. Specialized in History of Art, Islamic Calligraphy and Visual Arts.

Mohammad Nazzri Ahmad

Academic at the Department of Malay Socio-culture/ Malay Arts, University of Malaya, with specialization in Malay Architecture and Malay Carving.

Maizira Abdul Majid

Academician at the Department of Malay Socio-culture/ Malay Arts, University of Malaya, with specialization in Malay Arts and Arts Management.

Nur Yuhanis Mohd Nasir

Academic at the Department of Malay Socio-culture/ Malay Arts, University of Malaya, specialization in Multimedia and Animation Studies.

Who developed the course?

University of Malaya logo

Universiti Malaya

Universiti Malaya is the premier research university in Malaysia, committed to advancing knowledge and learning through quality research and education for the nation and for humanity.

  • Established

    1905
  • Location

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • World ranking

    Top 60Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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