By Faziela Harris-Davids
Renowned Arabic calligrapher Faheem Rhoda Jackson will bring his immersive workshops to Johannesburg and Gqeberha later this year, offering participants an opportunity to explore the art, history and spirituality behind one of the Islamic world’s most celebrated artistic traditions.
There are some workshops that teach you a skill, and then there are those that quietly change the way you see the world.
When I first attended one of Faheem Rhoda Jackson’s Arabic calligraphy workshops, I expected to learn how to hold a qalam, form letters, and perhaps leave with a few pages of practice. I didn’t expect to walk away with a deeper appreciation for the history, craftsmanship, and spirituality woven into every stroke of ink.
This year, Jackson is bringing that experience to Johannesburg on 26 and 27 September 2026, before making his way to Gqeberha on 30 and 31 October 2026.
Making an ancient art form accessible
Arabic calligraphy has long been regarded as one of the most celebrated art forms in the Islamic world, but Jackson’s workshops make it feel wonderfully accessible. Whether you’ve never picked up a calligraphy pen before or you’ve admired the script from afar for years, he has an uncanny ability to guide you through the process without it ever feeling intimidating.
One of the things that stood out most to me was his patience. Every participant is met where they are, with gentle encouragement and thoughtful guidance. Mistakes become part of the learning process rather than something to fear, creating a space where curiosity naturally takes over.
Stories carried within every letter
The experience goes far beyond learning beautiful lettering. Jackson takes time to unpack the origins of the Arabic script, the stories carried within the letters, and the rich artistic tradition that has preserved this practice for centuries. Rooted in faith, each lesson becomes more than an art class, it becomes an invitation to understand the significance behind what you’re creating.
Working with authentic traditional tools only adds to the experience. There’s something grounding about dipping a hand-cut qalam into ink and slowly watching each letter take shape. It demands presence in a way that feels increasingly rare.
An invitation to slow down
In a world that often celebrates speed and instant results, Arabic calligraphy asks something different of us. It asks us to slow down, to be intentional, and to find beauty in repetition. That may be why so many people leave Jackson’s workshops speaking not only about what they learned, but about how they felt.
If you’ve been looking for a creative experience that nourishes both the mind and the soul, this is one worth making time for.
Workshop dates
Johannesburg: 26–27 September 2026
Gqeberha: 30–31 October 2026
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Complete the Arabic calligraphy workshop interest form here.
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