Writing Quran Ultimate Wish of Any Calligrapher
Speaking during a symposium on Arabic calligraphy held on the sideline of the Doha International Book Fair, Obeida Al-Banki said writing the Noble Qur’an is an honor and the most precious wish of a calligrapher.
He made the remarks while pointing to the process which led to choosing him as the calligrapher of the Mushaf of Qatar.
Qatari Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs staged a competition for the project and 120 calligraphers from across the world participated in it.
The first stage, he continued, was writing five pages and arbiters selected the top seven calligraphers and the next stage was writing a number of Juzes (parts) in which he announced the ultimate winner.
“It took me more than 3 years to write the Noble Qur’an, and I first wrote it with a pencil in the form of a draft, after which it was written permanently, then it took eight years for completion of decorations.”
Noting that he used hand-made ink for the project, the calligrapher added that some countries are taking Qatar as a model for such projects.
Al-Banki says he makes calligraphy artworks at night as he needs calm and silence.
The 31st edition of the Doha International Book Fair kicked off on January 13 and wrapped up on Saturday. The event also included daily seminars and lectures, as well as art and writing workshops.
