1). Since the "Old-style"/"Mushafi" Kufi script had largely gone out of use by the end of the 11th century C.E. -- so much so, that even the correct method of cutting its pen had been forgotten (at least, according to Ustad S.M.V. Jazayeri) -- does the tradition of learning directly from a "Master" who is part of a chain of previous "Masters" (going all the way back to Ali Ibn Abi Talib) apply to it? If not, how does one demonstrate enough proficiency in it to be able to teach others? That is to say, what was the process used to revive this script to the point where it can now (apparently) be taught? I am asking, because there are at least two(?) amshaq/"copybooks" on the market (including one which was recently published by renowed calligrapher Ustad Ahmed Khelloufi), as well as a reference book (published by the above-mentioned Ustad Jazayeri), and many courses offering it (e.g., by Joumana Medlej, The Bustan Khatt collective, and previously by Muhammad Kaddoura, just to name a few).

2). If one were to develop a "new" Arabic script, what would be the criteria for its being "accepted" as a script in its own right (as opposed to it being considered "freestyle")? If I recall correctly, the Ruq'ah script was largely developed by Mustafa Izzet Effendi (as well as Mumtaz Effendi) during the early-to-mid 19th century and was expected to be learned by every literate person living in the Ottoman Empire (which would have made granting an "ijaza" in it a bit anachronistic). Thus -- "long story short" -- how did the fairly new Ruq'ah script, during a relatively short period of time (≈ 200 years), gain such acceptance (as a script in its own right) that even calligraphers as far away from direct Ottoman influence as Morocco (e.g., Ustad Belaid Hamidi) and the United States (e.g., Ustada Elinor Aishah Holland) use it as a "starting point" for the teaching of all other scripts (and would any other "new" Arabic script have to follow the same path towards acceptance as the Ruq'ah script)?

3). Is the the copybook on the "Mushafi" Kufi script, sold on the Arcalliq website and/or the Arcalliq page on Etsy the same one published by Ustad Khelloufi? If not, who is it published/written by? I am asking this question because this particular copybook seems to be selling quite "briskly" and might (for all intents and purposes) be "out-of-print" within a few days. 😜

Hopefully, these random questions have definite answers. As well, since I apparently forgot to answer Josh Barer's greeting, the last time we spoke: wa alaikum as-salam.

This is a photo of my friends great great grand father, we have no idea what it says

Quality was bad so i put it in a quality improver so it looks a bit off And yeah i'm so bad at diwani script ;)

I was actually confused, Didn't know what is that word i looked it up and it was just sirus star. Suggest a thing for me to write it next day! ;)

According to the last post the most liked comment was "فأسقيناكموه" Now right a comment and if gets the most likes i'll write it tomorrow good luck :)

"So remember Me, I will remember you" [2: 152]

I was going through my camera roll and saw one of my first calligraphy works. I was really into silicone paint at the time which is how I got the background pattern. I'm hoping to get back into it inshaAllah, just need to get my work station set up again.

This is still my favourite verse cx

"ريدِّيت" "reddit" It's kinda bad i wasn't too focused into it because it's day 0 and it's a random word from me :)

Sorry if I have it oriented incorrectly, please translate if possible.

Its a little bit old a few months ago 🫠

Just a few questions,

I've seen many calligraphers dilute there ink with water (ik it's a personal preference thing but...) what is the best flow to go for as a beginner should I expirament with different water levels in my ink, etc...

I've also seen many calligraphy sprinkle what looks like starch on their paper before writing is this something I should be doing?

I started learning rekaa from 2 months ago, every week have a lecture, and I'm feel disappointed because I can't notice any progress، any advice?

Acrylics on canvas! Pour painting technique for background! 🫶🏼

Saw this on another reddit, where it was translated حصانك؛ إن صنته صانك وإن هنته هانك»

“Your tongue is like your horse; if you safeguard it, it will safeguard you and if you betray it, it will betray you.”

I am 100% the person who needs to be reminded of this daily (speaking without thinking is one of my worst traits, especially because I'm extremely articulate and can do a lot of damage with words) and would like this rendered in ink to have at my desk.

Do any of you do khatt islami, or can refer me to a calligrapher?

Hi all. I recently have been designing an art zine about wildlife and nature in Palestine to sell online, for which 100% of profits will go directly to the PCRF, in both Palestine and Lebanon. However, when designing the titles (only one or two words each), I used a Nastaliq Google font called 'Gulzar', which looked beautifully designed and fully supports Arabic.

Since designing the zine, I've realised that Nastaliq as a script is very rarely used for Arabic, especially outside Iran, is much more common for Urdu or Persian, and I probably should have used Naskh. I designed in Photoshop, and did make sure that the Arabic/Middle Eastern language support setting is on; I have aligned all the text to the right, including the rest of the zine, which is in English, as I have a primarily English-speaking audience. However, I'm worried that I've been really insensitive and ignorant by using Nastaliq, and I'd really appreciate any feedback you might have! Thank you so much.

"Verily, Allah does not break His promise." — Qur'an 3:9. Written in Diwani Jali script & framed as a gift for a friend.

https://preview.redd.it/y7nyi8naazxd1.png?width=338&format=png&auto=webp&s=9cbafb81754550d96b1483b3c9a8ff658ac0663b

very interested what could this mean!

How/where would I buy reed pens or ink for Arabic Calligraphy? I currently use Kaleam as a composition planner. I have planned a piece I want to do in the future once I've learnt Naskh and Thuluth. Should I also ask to have a teacher or teach myself the style and proportions?

Aforementioned piece. Harakat not complete due to subscription issues.