Who is this course for?
The Arabic Calligraphy Weekend Intensive has been designed primarily for complete beginners who wish to learn Arabic calligraphy through traditional methods. No previous experience is required.
It is also suitable for those who have attempted calligraphy before and would like to strengthen their foundations under guided instruction.
What will I learn?
Over two immersive days, you will learn the foundations of the Ruq’ah script, one of the most practical and elegant scripts in the Ottoman tradition of Arabic calligraphy.
By the end of the course you will understand:
- Bamboo / reed Qalam making and maintenance
- Traditional pen angles and stroke techniques
- Letter proportions and construction
- Joining letters into words
- Spacing, rhythm and composition
- How to continue practising independently after the course
What makes this Weekend Intensive different?
Unlike our regular beginner courses, the Weekend Intensive includes several exclusive studio modules that are normally introduced at intermediate and advanced levels.
These include:
- Preparing and writing on traditional Ahar paper
- Carving and maintaining your own bamboo qalam
- Preparing paper, and various supports for calligraphic work
- Design transfer and scaling techniques
- Working with different traditional and contemporary inks
- An introduction to the proportional system (Khatt al-Mansūb) developed by Ibn Muqlah through practical exercises based on Ottoman scripts
This makes the programme a unique and immersive learning experience.
What is included in the course fee?
Your registration includes:
- Approximately 16 hours of in-person instruction
- Professional Arabic calligraphy toolkit
- Traditional bamboo qalams
- Ink and practice materials
- Printed course manual and reference guide
- Authentic Ahar paper for your final artwork
- Individual guidance and critique throughout the weekend
- Breakfast, refreshments and lunch on both days
- Certificate of Participation
- Invitation to join our Arabic Calligraphy Community for ongoing mentorship and support
Will I create my own artwork?
Yes.
Each participant will complete a finished Arabic calligraphy artwork on authentic Ahar paper under guided instruction.
Your artwork will be suitable for mounting and framing.
Will I receive a toolkit?
Yes.
Every participant receives a professional starter toolkit containing the traditional materials required for the course, allowing you to continue practising at home.
Will I learn how to make my own qalam?
Yes.
One of the highlights of the Weekend Intensive is learning how to carve, shape and maintain your own bamboo qalam using traditional methods.
Will I work with different types of ink?
Yes.
During the workshop you will be introduced to a variety of writing media including:
- Traditional Arabic ink
- Sumi ink
- Acrylic ink
You will learn when and how each medium is used within contemporary and traditional calligraphy practice.
Is this the same as your regular beginner course?
No.
The Weekend Intensive is an expanded programme created specifically for students outside Cape Town who cannot attend weekly classes.
In addition to the complete Ruq’ah foundation, it includes several advanced studio techniques that are not normally covered during the standard one-month beginner programme.
Will I receive ongoing support after the course?
Yes.
Your journey does not end after the weekend.
Upon completion of the programme, you will be invited to join our Arabic Calligraphy Community, where you can continue developing your skills through ongoing guidance, mentorship, critique sessions and future workshops.
How many students will be accepted?
To ensure every participant receives individual attention and personalised feedback, each workshop is limited to 25 (JHB) – 30 (P.E) participants.
Who will be teaching the course?
The workshop is presented by Faheem Rhoda Jackson, founder of the Arabic Calligraphy Association of South Africa (ACASA).
Faheem has been studying Arabic calligraphy since 2002 and teaching since 2016. He has studied under internationally recognised masters and received an Ijazah (teaching licence) in the Ruq’ah script and is a student under master Ustadh Shahryanshah having completed various other scripts. His teaching combines traditional Ottoman methods with a structured approach designed specifically for beginners.
Why is the Johannesburg and Gqeberha course priced differently to the Durban programme?
The Durban programme is being hosted by local organisations who have generously subsidised many of the event costs as a service to their community.
The Johannesburg and Gqeberha workshops are independently organised by ACASA, with all venue, travel, accommodation, catering, course materials and logistics managed directly by us.
In addition, the Weekend Intensive includes several exclusive modules that are not part of the standard beginner programme, providing participants with a broader and more immersive learning experience.
Is accommodation included?
No.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee.
Participants travelling from outside the host city are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Are meals included?
Yes.
Breakfast, refreshments and lunch are provided on both days of the workshop.
What should I bring?
Simply bring yourself and a willingness to learn.
All calligraphy tools, materials, inks, paper, refreshments and meals are provided.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes.
Participants who complete the Weekend Intensive will receive an official Certificate of Participation.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes.
To make the workshop more accessible, we offer a simple payment option:
- A R750 deposit / reservation payment or full upfront payment secures your place.
- The remaining balance R2050 is payable on or before 5th September.
- Option 2 (For Joburg): deposit of R750 upfront, and split the balance in 2 instalments. R1025 on 26th August, and final payment on R1025 on 25th September.
- Option 3 (For Gqeberha): deposit of R750 upfront, and split the balance in 2 instalments. R1025 on 26th September, and final payment on R1025 on 25th October.
DURBAN: If you need to discuss any payment details, please contact the organisers fatimah@awqfsa.org.za
What happens if I need to cancel?
To confirm your place, a deposit / reservation payment is required. This amount forms part of your total course fee.
If you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. Where possible, we will refund your reservation payment or transfer it to a future workshop or replacement participant. If costs have already been incurred specifically for your booking, any refund will be adjusted only to reflect those actual expenses.
Participants may transfer their place to another person if they cannot attend.
How do I reserve my place?
Complete the interest form and you will be notified once priority registration opens.
As places are limited to 30 participants, early registration is strongly recommended.