Arabic calligraphy is emerging as a popular art form in Canada. These artists are unearthing ways to inspire  

By, Sakina Chaudary

Arabic calligraphy is an artistic handwriting practice that can be found in many homes across Canada. It’s beautiful to look at, therapeutic to ponder and offers comfort and a sense of protection for those who own it.

This handwriting practice has spanned centuries, and new artists are finding unique ways to turn Arabic calligraphy into visual art. The initial use for Arabic calligraphy was for communication purposes. However, it soon began to be employed for decoration, architecture, and coin design.

In the Islamic religion, it is important to avoid figures and pictorials that were used as idols early on before Islam was established. This influenced the creation and use of Arabic calligraphy.

Historically, Arab tribes preferred to memorize texts and poetry. The first Muslims who documented their holy book (Qur’an Kareem) used scripts. 

These Arabic scripts were made in various periods and locations around the expansive Islamic Empire. Some scripts mirrored the time period they were developed in, such as the Musand script, which was created during the early stages of the development of Arabic calligraphy. 

The Maghrabi script is among those that provide geographical insights into the location where the art was created. In this case, it differentiates the inscriptions of northwest Africa.

With this handwriting practice now emerging as a popular art form, CanCulture sat down with calligraphy artists Samia Shaheen and Sana Malik to learn more about their experiences and artistic processes. 

A veteran artist, Samia Shaheen has completed a fine arts diploma at Sheridan College and studied under the mentorship of the renowned South Asian artist, Mansoor Rahi. She works full-time for the Ministry of Health but has worked for many years to cultivate her artistic craft.

“Art has always been a passion of mine. It’s been a hobby of mine since childhood, and throughout high school and university, I won multiple community awards and was the president of my school’s art council.”

Shaheen says she uses art as a way to relax and channel her creativity.  “I see art as a God-given talent. Of course, it is something that you have to practice, but I feel that it is something you are born with. 

Shaheen specializes in painting historical architecture, such as gothic churches and mosques from around the world, and likes to use vibrant colours and colour schemes for many of her pieces. 

“The way a place, area and community is defined by their historical architecture has always been fascinating for me,” she said. “These beautiful, intricately made buildings have taken years to create, and it is interesting to see how they affect the surrounding space.” 

After having some time to develop her artistic skill, Shaheen began painting Arabic calligraphy roughly three years ago. She first learned how to expertly write the Arabic alphabet with a wood ink quill, mastering the particulars and strokes required for each letter individually.

One of her favourite verses to paint is, “فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ” which translates to “So which of the favours of your Lord do you choose to deny?” (The Qur’an, 55:15) 

“Favours means everything. It means every marvellous act that [God] has made, from the cosmos to the human body, to how a child is born,” she explains. “We have so much to be thankful for. Our homes, safety, security, health, happiness – I have no complaints. We cannot nearly count all of our blessings.”

Her clients often order standard Islamic phrases, such as Bismillah (in the name of God), Alhumdulilah (praise be to God/thank God) and MashAllah (God has willed). ”Everyone wants the standard piece in their homes. It’s very welcoming.”

Shaheen’s work has been featured in a number of galleries and fundraisers across the country. Her selected works have been exhibited in Toronto, Islamabad and Lahore, and her commissioned pieces have found their way into homes and offices across Ontario and Quebec.

On the other hand, Sana Malik is a novice artist who began creating Arabic calligraphy artwork at the end of 2018. She says she was going through a rough patch and wanted an outlet to focus on her personal well-being. When she began to read more about her faith, she noticed the enchanting use of Arabic calligraphy and decided to try her hand at creating it.

She started off with a cheap, small canvas to test her ability. She was surprised to notice how well the piece turned out and Malik soon began to experiment with more colours, canvas sizes, textures and brush strokes. 

When friends and family took notice of her work, they urged her to sell her pieces. Her small business spread through word of mouth and she now receives commissions for custom pieces.

“People are really interested in ones that relate to themselves. So, one of my favourite and most popular ones to do is Sabr (صَبْرٌ‎). I get a lot of requests to use the word, meaning perseverance and patience, because so many people relate to it,” said Malik.

“During these times, many people say to themselves, ‘Have Sabr, we need Sabr, we need Sabr, we need to have patience.’”

Another phrase Malik is a fan of using is a verse from the holy Quran, “With every hardship comes ease.” (94:5) Malik, as well as many others, use this verse often to pick themselves up and get through tough times.

“The process is something that speaks to me. I paint it – doing so is very therapeutic and acts as a distraction and escape from my troubles. Creating paintings with such powerful words means a lot to me.” 

To contact Samia Shaheen for a customized or commissioned painting you can reach her at [email protected]