Dr. Noori is a practicing physician who trained with master calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya for years. He received his ijaza, or certification, in 2022 at the first ceremony of its kind in the United States which was hosted by Reed Society. Dr. Noori's skilled hand brings forth the elegance and grace of Arabic script, offering insights into a rich cultural heritage.

Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning the art of Arabic script. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a Maryland based master calligrapher. Open to ages 13 and up. Insruction will be held from 10am -1:30 and then all attendees will be treated to a lunch.

Al Firdaus Ensemble is a Sufi musical group based in Granada, Spain. Founded in 2012 by the English singer Ali Keeler, the ensemble consists of musicians from England, Spain, Morocco and Venezuela.

The name of the ensemble is inspired by the Persian word "Firdaus", the Arabic name for the highest garden in paradise from an Islamic perspective.

The ensemble follows a combination of different musical styles, such as western classical sounds, Celtic music and flamenco, as well as new arrangements of numerous pieces from traditional Islamic Sufi music, which originate from Arabic, Andalusian and Turkish sources. The lyrics are mostly in Arabic and inspired by the poetry of the well-known Sufis of Al-Andalus as well as from the Arab world such as Ibn Arabi and Al-Shushtari. In addition, its repertoire consists of musical adaptations of poems in old Spanish (called Aljamiado), which the Moriscos wrote down using Arabic script. The ensemble uses a variety of instruments, a combination of Persian, Arabic and Turkish (e.g. Oud, Daf, Darbuka, Riq, Ney longitudinal flute) and western classical instruments (e.g. violin, cello) as well the flamenco guitar. The ensemble consists of a number of singers, some of whom are soloists and others who sing in choirs.

Join us for an enlightening experience at The Old American Can Factory as we delve into the world of illumination with the talented artist Behnaz Karjoo. Discover the magic of light and shadow as Behnaz shares her unique techniques and insights into the art of illumination. This in-person event promises to be a feast for the eyes and a source of inspiration for all art enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness creativity in action!

Enjoy a free, special concert by this Sufi inspired vocal group led by Qari Sidi Anwar Barrada from Morocco. He is accompanied by traditional instruments that make up a takht, the classical music ensemble of Middle Eastern music.

Explore the art of qawwali in a weekend workshop with Bilal Chishty, one of the last students of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan!

Weekend Retreat with Bilal Chishty

Join us for a transformative weekend with the renowned Bilal Chishty on Sunday, August 18th. This immersive experience will run from 10 AM to 4 PM, and includes a special concert for participants on Saturday evening at the Diyanet Center.

We invite you to enjoy an evening of qawaali, Indian devotional music, with Dhruv Sangari (aka Bilal Chishty) and The National Sufi Ensemble. A unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Diyanet Center, a Turkish American center with a cafe, prayer space, and an auditorium where this sama will be held.

Meet the Moroccan Sufi teacher Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari and hear his insights on the practice of Islamic calligraphy. Lunch included.

Join USIP, in coordination with the Reed Society for the Sacred Arts, for an in-person performance of Kabir poetry from Prahlad Singh Tipanya and his ensemble. Translations of the musical poetry will be made available during the concert by scholar and translator of Kabir, Dr. Linda Hess.

Speakers and Performers

Tamanna Salikuddin, moderator
Director of South Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

Dr. Linda Hess, translator
Emerita Professor, Stanford University

Prahlad Singh Tipanya
Vocals and Tambura

Devnarayan Saroliya
Vocals and Violin

Ajay Tipaniya
Vocals and Dholak

Dharmendra Tipaniya
Vocals and Harmonium

Priyal Maheshwari
Vocals And Manjira

Vivek Virani
Vocals, Flute, and Translation

Welcome to the Arabic Calligraphy Workshop with Khalid Casado! Join us on Sun Apr 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at the grand Old American Can Factory for a unique experience. Learn from the talented Khalid Casado as he guides you through the art of Arabic calligraphy. This in-person workshop is a great opportunity to explore a new skill and unleash your creativity. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

Welcome to the Arabic Calligraphy Workshop with Khalid Casado! Join us on Sun Apr 27, 2024 at 10:00 am at Sufi Corner Cafe in Montclair, NJ. Learn from the talented Khalid Casado as he guides you through the art of Arabic calligraphy. This in-person workshop is a great opportunity to explore a new skill and unleash your creativity. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

Join us for an exciting event, Flow Into Arabic Calligraphy: Introduction for Beginners with Nuria Garcia! This in-person workshop is perfect for anyone interested in learning the beautiful art of Arabic calligraphy.

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Time: 5:30 PM (GMT+03:00)

Location: 1319 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20036

Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!

Join us for a performance by Bilal Chishty and the National Sufi Ensemble as part of our Sufi Music Festival.

Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!

Join us for a performance by Burdah Ensemble as part of our Sufi Music Festival.

Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!

Join us for a performance and discussion with LWM as part of our Sufi Music Festival.

Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!

Join us for a discussion on the importance of literature with Aisha Grey Henry and Demi as part of our Sufi Music Festival.

MILLENNIUM STAGE

Al Firdaus Ensemble, based in Granada, was founded in 2012 by the English violinist and singer Ali Keeler and includes musicians from England, Spain, Morocco, and Venezuela.

Co-hosted by the Reed Society and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA)

Join us for an immersive journey into the captivating world of Arabic calligraphy! This event is designed especially for beginners who are curious about this ancient art form. Led by renowned calligrapher Khalid Casado, you will learn the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy and explore its rich history and cultural significance.

Date: Tuesday, Sep 13 2023

Time: 00:30:00 GMT+0300 (GMT+03:00)

Location: 1319 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20036

No prior experience is necessary. Through hands-on practice and personalized guidance, you will develop basic skills in forming Arabic letters and creating beautiful compositions. Discover the meditative qualities of calligraphy and let your creativity flow.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into the art of Arabic calligraphy. Reserve your spot today!

Conversation with Aisha Imam & Andrew Nemr at the 5th Annual Designing for Empathy Summit & Workshops (2022) - DAY 2 (Mohamed Zakariya was not able to participate in this event.)

Organized by the ONE - Organization of Networks for Empathy

Celebrated calligrapher Şeyh Hamdullah (1436-1520), known as the father of Ottoman Calligraphy, established a tradition of calligraphy that is still practiced by artists today. His works are prominent in an accordion album, Album of Ottoman Calligraphy, which is one of only three known pieces in the United States that includes the innovative calligrapher’s signature. Join world-renowned calligrapher Mohamad Zakariya; Ashley Dimmig, Wieler-Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow in Islamic Art; Aisha Imam, Reed Society for the Sacred Arts; and independent scholar Nancy Micklewright in a virtual exploration of this important calligraphy album in the Walters collection, followed by a discussion of Şeyh Hamdullah’s legacy and the living art practice of Islamic calligraphy in the mid-Atlantic region.