About
Explore Maghribi Mabsut, a foundational script of the Maghribi calligraphic tradition known for its expansive horizontals, distinctive orthographic conventions, and rhythmic structure. Maghribi Mabsut offers a unique articulation of form and proportion within the wider Islamic calligraphic tradition, and its manuscript heritage embodies a regional expression of shared geometric and structural principles found across traditional arts.
Throughout the course, you will learn to write with correct proportion, spacing, and stroke control. You will gain confidence in constructing words and short phrases, applying the script’s distinctive orthographic features, including its diacritical system and letter variations. Alongside technical skill, you will deepen your understanding of the historical development of Arabic calligraphy—from early angular Kufic forms to later cursive manuscript traditions—situating Maghribi Mabsut within this broader context.
You will build these skills through structured demonstrations, guided repetition, and progressive exercises that move from individual letterforms to connected words and short compositions. Each session includes live demonstrations of stroke sequence, proportion, and spacing, followed by supervised practice.
By the end of the course, you will be able to produce a short, well‑balanced composition and pursue your study of Maghribi Mabsut with a confident structural grounding.
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
Knowledge of the Arabic language or alphabet is not required; However, if you’d like a head start with the alphabet and writing system, The Arabic Alphabet by Nicholas Awde and Putros Samano is a great resource.
How many people can attend?
14 people
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 24 – 28 August 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
All materials will be provided.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Ubaydullah Ahmad is a London-based calligrapher specialising in classical Arabic scripts, holding ijazat in Kufic, Maghribi, and Ottoman traditions. In 2009, he travelled to Cairo where he spent eight years immersed in the Arabic language and the traditional apprenticeship system of calligraphy, studying under recognised masters and receiving formal authorisations in multiple scripts. He later received a scholarship to attend The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, graduating in 2020 with an MA in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts. During the COVID period, he resided in Istanbul, researching manuscripts and advancing his study of the Six Pens under Master Scribe Ahmed Fares.
His practice explores the structural intelligence and expressive potential of Arabic letterforms, often bringing Kufic foundations into dialogue with Maghribi and Ottoman traditions. His works have been exhibited and commissioned internationally, including by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and by His Majesty King Charles III. Alongside his studio practice, he teaches and lectures internationally.
