Masterclass Series 2026
Sacred Arabic Calligraphy
A Masterclass in Classical Penmanship, Proportions & Spiritual Artistry
A beginner’s foundational immersion into mastering the historic Naskh and Diwani scripts from absolute scratch. Grounded in 10th-century Ottoman & Abbasid geometric canons.
Curatorial Instruction
About the Course & Instructor
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Alia Hirzalla
Alia Hirzalla is the Executive Director of the Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science (NIIMS).
She has taught courses at the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her passion is to use the art of calligraphy to encourage empathy and creative thinking in her students. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s degree in Theology, with a concentration in Islamic History.
About the Course
Learn the Art of Islamic Calligraphy
The NIIMS Calligraphy Course is an eight-week programme in traditional Islamic calligraphy, with instruction in the Naskh and Diwani scripts.The course is designed for beginners and covers the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy, including pen technique, letter formation, proportions, measurements and sentence composition. The programme includes guided practice and progressive instruction, with a focus on building familiarity and confidence with each script. The course concludes with the planning and drafting of a final calligraphic composition.
Comprehensive 8-Week Curriculum
Conducted inside the Institute of Islamic Medicine, Art & Culture galleries. From raw reed trimming and dot mechanics (Nuqta) to two distinct historic scripts (Naskh and Diwani).
Tuition & Registration
$150 / Student
Secure your seat today by submitting the registration form below.
Archival Artifact Exposure
Classes take place alongside NIIMS’ rare original 14th–18th century Quranic leaves, allowing students direct analytical observation of museum-grade masterworks.
Academic Syllabus
Course Curriculum Outline
Progressive pedagogical modules taking students from pen ergonomics and the canonical geometric dot system (Nuqta) to fully realized illuminated compositions.
Week 01
Introduction & Anatomy
Foundation & Nuqta
Learning methodology, pen dynamics (Qalam carving, ink density), ergonomics, paper grain, and the foundational Nuqta rhombic dot measurement system.
Week 02
Naskh: Core Alphabet
Foundation & Nuqta
Introduction to the serene clarity of classical Naskh. Primary letterforms from Aleph to ‘Ain, mastering pen tilt angle (45°) and consistent horizontal baseline rules.
Week 03
Naskh: Completing Glyphs
Letters Fa to Hamza
Mastering the descender letters Fa through Hamza. Structural ligatures, joint connections, and beginner sample phrases written under direct supervisory critique.
Week 04
Naskh: Composition
Foundation & Nuqta
Balancing multi-word phrases, Harakat vocalization diacritics, aesthetic spacing (Tarkib), and preparing the midterm Naskh folio tribute plate.
Week 05
Diwani: Fluid Rhythms
Letters Aleph to ‘Ain
Transitioning to the sweeping imperial court style of Diwani. Ascending cursive arcs, dramatic flourishes, and foundational letterforms Aleph to ‘Ain.
Week 06
Diwani: Complex Forms
Letters Fa to Hamza
Expansive tail strokes for Fa, Qaf, Waw, and Ya. Executing sweeping overlaps, interlocking stems, and the signature dense diagonals unique to chancery scripts.
Week 07
Diwani: Synthesis
Phrase Harmonization
Composing flowing sacred passages and aphorisms. Layering interlocking words, executing circular or wave layouts, and fine-tuning ink density and gradient contrast.
Week 08
Graduation Masterpiece
Portfolio & Critique
Final individual drafting, mounting on archival cardstock, gold illumination borders, collective class critique, and issuance of the NIIMS Certificate of Completion.
Cohort Enrollment
Reserve Your Seat
Complete the form below to secure your place in the upcoming 8-week Calligraphy course.