09/10/2026
Beautiful Ulfa learns to write in Ruq’ah, Johannesburg, September 2026
I believe that the practice of writing is a meditation, and in Faheem Rhoda Jackson Calligraphy Workshop a few days ago, that idea was resonant.
Through engaging body and breath, intentionally placing ink on page, tracing universal mathematics, patterning Islamic geometry, seeing the interconnectedness of it/us all, recalling our collective ancestral heritage, and remembering the Divine in such a beautiful way - (I could go on speaking about these reflections) - we had such a beautiful time.
While teaching the Ruq’ah script here, Faheem also practices his calligraphy in Naksh, Thuluth, Diwani Jali, Kufic and others.
Most special for me, is his development of the Janubi script, inspired by the legacy of scholars Abdullah ibn Qadi ‘Abd al-Salam (Tuan Guru), Sh Yusuf Al Makkassari, Imam Abdallah (May Allah be pleased with them) and their writings in Arabic and Jawi in the Cape while it was still under the oppressive Dutch colonial rule.
A true custodian of this astounding legacy and our communal heritage, Faheem, like so many in our community are doing the necessary work of restoring and centering ancient knowledge, practice and pride to our collective consciousness.
May Allah bless him for the gifts he is giving to us. Go check out his page and join a class !
Also much love and gratitude to Aunty Rehana Moosajee, The Barefoot Facilitator, for creating The Barefoot Space and holding us so graciously within its warmth, beauty and nourishment !
