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


Batik is a traditional art form rich with history, symbolism, and creativity, inspired by the beauty of the natural world around us. In many Muslim cultures, patterns found in nature such as clouds, vines, leaves, rain, and fruits became meaningful artistic expressions that reflected harmony, balance, and appreciation for Allah’s creation. This class invites students to explore the beauty of batik-inspired design while learning how art can deepen mindfulness, creativity, and reflection. 

Over five weeks, students will learn the foundations of batik pattern design through guided drawing activities inspired by traditional motifs from the natural world. From flowing clouds and rain-inspired lines to fruits, vines, and leaves, students will discover how simple repeated forms can be transformed into beautiful and meaningful compositions.

This class also introduces students to the idea that observing nature can strengthen gratitude and awareness of Allah’s signs in creation. Through drawing, pattern-building, and colour exploration, students will develop artistic confidence, patience, and attention to detail while gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural and spiritual dimensions of Islamic-inspired art.



Class Outline


Week 1:  Introduction to Batik: Drawing the Basic Grid

Students will be introduced to the history and artistic traditions of batik, with a focus on how patterns are inspired by nature and everyday life. They will learn the foundational grid structures used in batik design and begin practicing repetition, spacing, and flow to create balanced compositions. 


Week 2:  Kawung Motif (Fruit) 

This week explores the Kawung motif, a classic batik pattern inspired by fruit forms and natural symmetry. Students will learn how simple oval and circular shapes are transformed into elegant repeating designs while reflecting on themes of balance, simplicity, and harmony in Islamic art. 


Week 3:  Mega Mendung Motif (Cloud) 

Students will study the famous Mega Mendung cloud motif, known for its flowing layered forms and calming movement. They will practice creating soft curved lines and repeated cloud patterns while reflecting on the beauty and mercy found in Allah’s creation of the skies and weather. 


Week 4:  Lereng Motif (Rain)  
 
This week focuses on the Lereng motif, inspired by rain and diagonal movement. Students will learn how repeating slanted lines and rhythmic patterns can create flow and energy in a composition, while reflecting on rain as a mercy and blessing from Allah ﷻ.


Week 5:  Lung-lungan Motif (Vines and Leaves)  
 
In the final week, students will explore vine and leaf motifs commonly used in traditional batik and Islamic ornamentation. They will combine flowing organic forms to create intricate nature-inspired patterns, while learning how repetition and interconnectedness symbolize growth, beauty, and harmony in creation. 

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

Saturdays, 8:00 - 9:00 PM Central Time 

Session dates: July 4 - August 1 

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. 

Batik: Patterns from Nature

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.