Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of handwriting and calligraphy based on the Arabic alphabet. It is known in Arabic as khatt (Arabic: خط‎), derived from the word ‘line’, ‘design’, or ‘construction’. Kufic is the oldest form of the Arabic script.

Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and artistic way of writing the Arabic script. There are many books available that can teach you the basic principles of Arabic calligraphy and provide you with practice exercises and examples to follow. Here are some best Arabic calligraphy books for beginners in 2023. These books will generally cover the different styles of Arabic calligraphy, the tools and materials you will need to get started, and step-by-step instructions for writing the letters and words of the Arabic script. Some may also include history and cultural context, as well as tips and techniques for improving your skills.

A Handbook of Early Arabic Kufic Script: Reading, Writing, Calligraphy, Typography, Monograms

Author: Mousavi Jazayeri, S. M. V.
Published at: 17/01/2017
ISBN: 099817274X

A comprehensive textbook of the early Arabic Kufic script, written as a complete reference book for calligraphers, designers, and students of art history and the history of the Arabic language and scripts. This beautiful and powerful script was derived from the earlier Hijazi Mashq style of Mecca and Medina, which was invented by early Muslim scribes to record the Quran.

Today, the many historical manuscripts displayed in numerous museums around the world can attest to the development and evolution of this remarkable and versatile script. Authored by master calligrapher, Mousavi Jazayeri, this book is the only book written in English that is solely dedicated to the study, learning and revival of the fascinating script behind the first mature Arabic calligraphic style, which was the official script of the Islamic Near East for centuries, before being replaced by the modern Naskh style.


How to Read Islamic Calligraphy (The Metropolitan Museum of Art - How to Read)

Author: Ekhtiar, Maryam D
Published at: 16/10/2018
ISBN: 1588396304

How to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur’an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan’s court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today.

Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form.


Arabic Alphabet: Learn To Write Arabic Calligraphy | Handwriting Practice Workbook: الحروف العربية

Author: Cursive Writing Specialists, Designers &
Published at: 15/04/2020
ISBN: B0875VXKD1

The purpose of this book is to help kidslearn to draw lines and shapeswhile having fun. Repeating the exercise will allow your kids to develop accuracy and help them visually tomemorizethe shapes of eachArabic letter. This will prepare them to learn, read and write Arabic faster. Clearly, this activity book will allow your child to:

  • Memorizeand differentiate the shapes of the letters of theArabic alphabet
  • Strengthenthe muscles of his little hands
  • Learnandcreatea base to prepare him or her for future school learning

Each writing page is preceded by anillustrationto bring a playful and fun side to learning. We hope your child enjoys this book and has fun doing this activity.


Read, Learn and Write The Quran With Arabic calligraphy Tracing: 9 Basic Easy Quranic Surahs, Great Practice Workbook 8,5 × 11 For Young Little Muslim Kids, Adults & Reverts To Help With Memorization

Author: Jad, Abou
Published at: 09/06/2020
ISBN: B089TWR1Y9

Read, Learn and WriteThe QuranWith Arabic calligraphy Tracing, 9 Basic Easy Quranic Surahs, Great Practice Workbook8,5 × 11For Young Little Muslim Kids, Adults & Reverts To Help With Memorization

This book allows your children to read and pronounce some short Surahs of the Quran, and understand their meanings in addition to writing them in Arabic calligraphy. They can also memorize them for their reading during prayer Insha’Allah.

Writing Practice (Arabic calligraphy) of 9 surahs (Al Fatihah, Ayat Al Koursi, Al Qadr, Al Aasr, Al Kaouthar, An nasr, Al Ikhlaas, Al Falaq & An Nas)

– English translation is provided for each surah. – This workbook will be a great gift for young kids, adults and reverts who are learning the Quran.


Arabic Calligraphy Naskh Script for Beginners /anglais

Author: JA'FAR MUSTAFA
Published at: 01/03/2010
ISBN: 0714114995

The first stroke-by-stroke guide ever produced for learning to write Naskh, one of the six major cursive Arabic scripts. Its origins can be traced back to the late eighth century AD and it is still in use today, over 1300 years later. The Ottoman Turks considered Naskh the script most suited for copying the Qur’an and today more Qur’ans are copied in Naskh throughout the Islamic world than in all other Arabic scripts combined.

This introductory workbook makes it possible for everyone to learn and enjoy the beauty of Arabic calligraphy. Based on his experience of running workshops and demonstrations at The British Museum and other cultural institutions around the UK, Mustafa Ja’far has created an easy-to-follow, teach-yourself guide.


An Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy

Author: Alani, Ghani
Published at: 28/10/2016
ISBN: 0764351737

With a photo-rich teaching method that’s welcoming to everyone, this introduction helps you use ink and a qalam—a traditional reed pen—to create flowing, timelessly decorative lines of Arabic script. The book begins with the history behind this art that decorates writings and architecture worldwide. Master calligrapher Alani next shows you how to choose the materials and prepare your tools.

After a quick introduction to how the Arabic language works, he guides you through exercises to help you successfully write the 28 Arabic letters, join them together, and finally assemble them into phrases. Once you have mastered the basics, explore creating graphic compositions in each of the seven major styles (Kufic, Thuluth, Naskh, Persian, Turkish, Riqa, and Maghrebi).


Arabic Calligraphy Mastery Series - THULUTH: A comprehensive step-by-step study of the Thuluth script

Author: Uddin, Omar N.
Published at: 18/11/2016
ISBN: 1539972488

The “Arabic Calligraphy Mastery Series – THULUTH” is a comprehensive guide to learning the Thuluth script, a popular form of Arabic calligraphy. Written by Uddin Umar, this book is designed to be a step-by-step study guide, taking the reader through the process of learning the Thuluth script from the ground up. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history and origins of the Thuluth script, the basic principles of calligraphy, and the techniques and tools used by calligraphers. With plenty of practice exercises and detailed explanations, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning this beautiful and artistic form of writing.



Master the Arabic Alphabet, A Handwriting Practice Workbook: Perfect Your Calligraphy Skills and Dominate the Modern Standard Arabic Script

Author: Workbooks, Lang
Published at: 01/01/2020
ISBN: 1653392959

“Arabic Alphabet, A Handwriting Practice Workbook” by Workbook Lang is a comprehensive guide to practicing and perfecting your handwriting skills in the Modern Standard Arabic script. The book includes a wide range of exercises and practice sheets to help you master the individual letters of the Arabic alphabet and improve your overall handwriting skills. It also includes detailed explanations and tips to help you develop a strong foundation in the principles of calligraphy and achieve a consistent, legible handwriting style. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of the Arabic script or an experienced calligrapher looking to improve your skills, this book is an excellent resource to have.


Arabic Script: Styles, Variants, and Calligraphic Adaptations

Author: Khan, Gabriel Mandel
Published at: 01/04/2006
ISBN: 0789208792

“Arabic Script: Styles, Variants, and Calligraphic Adaptations” by Khan Karbiel is a comprehensive guide to the various styles, variants, and adaptations of the Arabic script. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history and development of the Arabic script, the different styles and forms of calligraphy, and the various adaptations and uses of the script in different regions and cultural contexts. With detailed explanations and examples, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the diversity and complexity of the Arabic script and its various forms of expression.