Who is ACSA?
A group of calligraphy and manuscript arts enthusiasts from various parts of South Africa.
Background and history
Since the 1980's , Dr Sulaiman Nordien (may Allah have mercy on his soul) had led many Arabic calligraphy workshops in Cape Town. A survey was done on existing Arabic classes in Cape Town at the time, which gave insight into the students success rate. It was noted that handwriting skills were not taught, and if students cannot read or decipher what the teacher wrote on the board (as some teachers were using Ruq'ah script unknown to locals at the time), then this would hamper their learning. Added to this, there were no schools or teachers teaching the art of Arabic calligraphy and thus he made it his mission to learn it.
He was initially self-taught through the use of calligraphy books and by closely studying various printed Qurans. During this initial period, other fellow aspiring calligraphers joined his calligraphy circle. Whenever master calligraphers would visit, there would be classes held (e.g Sh Mustafa Amri, Hoca Efdaluddin Kilic, Sh Hamidi Belaid and others) and was also instrumental in arranging workshops at the University of Cape Town, Peter Clarke Arts school, Madina Institute and more. Dr Omar Brey, Dr Yunus Casker, Achmat Fish, Goosain Johardien, Imam Amien Ahmad, Mahmudah Begum Jaffer, and many others have contributed to the developments over the years.
Faheem Rhoda Jackson, a student of Dr Sulaiman started sharing Arabic calligraphy lessons with his friends since 2012 at the Stegman rd Mosque in Claremont. In 2017, a formal 8 part beginners course was then held on a monthly basis, where a number of dedicated members followed up the course with the 100 day calligraphy challenge. Through this exercise a need arose to further develop a more comprehensive program for serious aspiring calligraphers. Interest in calligraphy courses has spiked around South Africa and efforts were made to take these courses to other parts of SA as well. Ustad Refik Carikci was also consulted since 2018 discussing a formal body, and fully supported this initiative. Since there is no guild for Arabic Calligraphy in South Africa, ACSA was born. But this was really a continuation of the groundwork already done by those mentioned above. Under the encouragement of Ustaadh Dr Sulaiman (R.A), Faheem became the first South African (known to date) to participate in the 11th International Arabic calligraphy competition under IRCICA.
In December 2019, ACSA partnered with AWQAFSA and Jam'eyyatul Qurraa Institute where the first exhibition was held in conjunction with JEQ's 50th anniversary celebrations. This exhibition was called "Seas of Ink, an Arabic Calligraphy Experience" and was attended by world renowned calligraphers who exhibited their work. Refik Carikci (Turkey), Muhammad Hobe (South Africa), Hj Noor Deen (China), Hj Fatima Coa Yiying (China) and Sh Abdel Hamid Abdusalaam (Egypt) stunned visitors with their breathtaking calligraphic artworks of the highest caliber. At this event, ACSA officially introduced and appointed its mentors, Hj Noor Deen, Ustad Refik and Muhammad Hobe who held intensive workshops which would inspire attendees to further their studies in this art in the Ijazah program.
Vision
Revive the Islamic art of Arabic calligraphy in South Africa.
Mission
To train up calligraphers to masters/ijazah level
Core Values
-Focus on the traditional Arabic Calligraphic scripts and the manuscript arts e.g ebru, Illumination (South African and others i.e. Tezhip, Geometric and vegetative etc)
-Practice high ethical standards
-Respect, protect and promote the Islamic calligraphic traditions
Strategy
Recruit master calligraphers who specialise in the traditional scripts to mentor members.
Our Goals
1. Establish a centre from which we will operate and provide access to calligraphic tools, equipment and books and for the sale of these items.
2. Offer a mentorship program for members.
3. Run Beginner courses and workshops and events to general public.
4. Teach Arabic calligraphy to youth so that writing the Quran will become as easy as reading it.
5. Establish national and international networks with government or non-governmental organisations or institutions which share similar objectives i.e IRCICA
6. Participate in local and international arena (calligraphy exhibitions, competitions) and to run our own events on
par with international standards.
7. Arrange exchange programs and scholarships.
8. Develop a unique South African script.
Reach out and join us to be updated on the latest developments on Arabic calligraphy in South Africa.
Contact Faheem Rhoda Jackson +27718698240
Email arabiccalligraphers.sa@gmail.com
