Libyan Calligrapher Overcomes Hardships to Transcribe Quran

Libyan calligrapher Al-Sharif Al-Zanati has realized his lifelong dream of becoming a recognized Quranic calligrapher despite facing numerous challenges, Iqna reported. His passion for calligraphy ignited in childhood when a teacher praised his handwriting. Mentored by esteemed calligraphers, including Ibrahim Al-Zanati and Abu Bakr Sassi, Al-Zanati was inspired to pursue Quranic calligraphy.

In March 2017, amid Libya’s political instability, he sought support from the General Authority for Religious Endowments to fill a gap in Quranic calligraphy for the Qalun narration. His project received approval, enabling him to begin transcribing the Quran using a fountain pen, with significant technical assistance from his son, Mohammed.

Throughout this journey, Al-Zanati faced personal hardships, including his father’s battle with cancer and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained his family. Despite being dismissed from his job in the customs department, he remained committed to enhancing Quranic calligraphy, fulfilling a vital need for locally produced Mushafs in Libya.