RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


Islamic art has long been a beautiful form of learning and spiritual expression, connecting creativity, reflection, and devotion. Inspired by the delicate ornaments and illuminated designs found in Qurans throughout Islamic history, this class invites students to explore the beauty of Arabesque art and its connection to the sacred tradition of preserving and honoring the Quran. 

Over five weeks, students will learn the foundations of Arabesque ornamentation through guided, hands-on drawing activities. From flowing vines and leaves to decorative borders and circular compositions, students will discover how simple forms come together to create harmonious and meaningful designs inspired by Quranic manuscripts.

This class also introduces students to the idea that Allah ﷻ is beautiful and loves beauty, and that Islamic art can be a form of mindfulness, ihsan, and appreciation for the blessings of creativity. Through drawing, pattern-making, and colour exploration, students will not only build artistic confidence and technical skills, but also deepen their understanding of the spiritual, historical, and aesthetic dimensions of Quranic art.



Class Outline


Week 1:  Introduction to Arabesque and Quranic Ornamentation

Students will be introduced to the history and purpose of Arabesque ornamentation in Quranic manuscripts and Islamic art. They will explore how Muslims throughout history used beauty and design to honor the words of Allah ﷻ. Students will also begin practicing foundational freehand drawing drills to develop hand control, flow, and confidence in creating curved ornamental forms. 


Week 2:  Basic Leaves and Vines 

This week focuses on the building blocks of Arabesque design: leaves, vines, and flowing botanical forms. Students will learn how repeated natural elements are stylized in Islamic art to create balance and movement. Through guided practice, they will begin combining shapes to form elegant ornamental patterns inspired by Quranic decorations. 


Week 3:  Single Border Ornament 

Students will learn how ornamental borders are used to frame Quranic pages and highlight important sections of text. They will design and create their own single-border ornament using the motifs and techniques learned in previous weeks, while developing greater precision, patience, and attention to detail. 


Week 4:  Ornament in a Circle  
 
This week explores circular ornament compositions commonly found in Quranic medallions and illuminated manuscript designs. Students will learn how symmetry, repetition, and balance work together to create harmony within a circular format, while experimenting with creating their own ornamental centerpiece designs.


Week 5:  Colours in Quranic Ornaments  
 
In the final week, students will explore the role of colour in Quranic illumination and ornamentation. They will learn how traditional colours such as gold, blue, green, and red were used symbolically and aesthetically in Islamic manuscripts. Students will complete and refine their artwork through thoughtful colour application while reflecting on the beauty and spiritual significance of Islamic art. 

Class Activity Materials (Optional)

Pencil

Pen

Ruler

A4 or A3 notebooks for practice
(recommended: thick paper notebook, at least 150 gsm)

Compass

Color pencil

Tracing paper

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Sundays, 10:30 - 11:30 AM Central Time 

Session dates: June 28 - July 26 

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

Certificates of participation are available upon request.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

Arabesque: Ornaments in the Quran

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Fathiah Abdussamad

Born and raised in Singapore, with a Muslim Indonesian heritage, Anse Fathiah Abdussamad takes pride in her work as a calligrapher. Half of her life has been spent dwelling with inks, reed pens and papers, all for her love of Arabic calligraphy. She has also trained more than 200 students over the course of 8 years serving the community in the field of Islamic Art. Graduating from Al Azhar University in Cairo in 2013, Anse Fathiah specialised in Arabic Literature and Calligraphy. While in Egypt she was granted Ijaza in Diwani, Jaliy Diwani, Riq’ah and Maghribi script under the tutelage of Ustadh Hasanain Mukhtar from Egypt and Ustadh Belaid Hamidi, a former calligrapher for the Moroccan royal family. The connection she has with her faith and the Islamic world has shaped her as an artist who aims to ensure that every stroke of her brush or pen is a manifestation of her deep relationship with the Divine. Anse Fathiah recently graduated with a Master of Art degree from The Kings Foundation school of Traditional Art in London doing the art of Batik and Calligraphy as her Final project.