“Qalam” project revives handwritten Quran tradition and promotes cultural unity

The “Qalam” project, launched in 2016 by British Islamic artist Ridwan Beyk, aims to revive the traditional art of handwriting the Quran while fostering cultural and interfaith engagement. The initiative allows individuals worldwide to handwrite a single verse, contributing to the completion of a collaborative handwritten Quran.

For centuries, scribes meticulously copied the Quran before the advent of the printing press, making it one of the most revered forms of artistic expression in Islamic history. The “Qalam” project has since gained global participation, with over 5,000 verses written in more than 20 countries, including India, Canada, Germany, and the UK.

Participants describe the experience as deeply spiritual. Ubadah Barboush, from Tunisia, noted the emotional impact of transcribing sacred words, calling it a symbol of resilience and devotion. The project is seen as more than an art revival—it serves as a message of peace and coexistence, uniting diverse cultures through the written word of the Quran.