People in Bahrain will have the opportunity to usher in the New Year with images of stunning Islamic calligraphy as part of an annual calendar being sold to support a Bahraini museum dedicated to preserving ancient Islamic texts.

Stunning Arabic calligraphy will be the theme of next year’s Beit Al Quran Calendar
The highly-anticipated Beit Al Quran Calendar for 2026 will feature 12 artworks celebrating Arabic letters by artists from Bahrain and abroad.
As always, they were all contributions from Dr Abdul Latif Kanoo’s private collection, which he has graciously offered to the museum to make the popular calendars.

The Arabic letter carries within it a long history of civilisation and creativity
Beit Al Quran director Ashraf Al Ansari said that this year’s edition aims to celebrate the beauty, diversity and elegance of the Arabic letter.
“The Arabic letter carries within it a long history of civilisation and creativity,” said Mr Al Ansari.

Arabic calligraphy is known and appreciated worldwide for it diversity
“It is not merely a means of writing, but a vessel of identity through which sciences were recorded and knowledge was passed on across generations.
“It is distinguished by the beauty of its form, the diversity of its styles, and its intricate ornamentation.
“Through it, we feel a deep connection to our roots.

The Arabic letter the language of the spirit just as it is the language of thought and knowledge
“The Arabic letter combines authenticity with flexibility of expression, and it has always been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration for artists and calligraphers,” Said Mr Al Ansari.
“It is the language of the spirit just as it is the language of thought and knowledge.
“It remains a symbol of identity and a bridge for human communication.”
Multiple Arabic letters featured in an artwork

The Arabic letter ‘Qaf’ The Arabic letter ‘Ha’
Arabic calligraphy is known and appreciated worldwide for its diversity. It has been linked in Arabic culture to various fields such as religion, art, architecture, education and craftsmanship, which in turn have played an important role in its advancement.
The art form also has a rich history in Bahrain, with pioneers like Abdul Elah Al Arab establishing the first dedicated school for it in 1990 and co-founding the Bahrain Arts Society in 1983.

Calligraphy from 2006 about different Arabic letters Calligraphy done in 2005
Historically, its importance in Bahrain is also evident in the collection of ancient Quranic manuscripts at the Bahrain National Museum and its use in official documents, with ongoing support for preserving and teaching the tradition today.
With it now being extensively featured on the Beit Al Quran Calendar, people can now greet every month with some of the finest works of calligraphy from Bahrain and abroad.

Artwork about the Arabic letter ‘Sad’ Calligraphy that says ‘Salam Aleikum’
“The proceeds from the Beit Al Quran Calendar Project constitute an important source of income, helping the museum fulfil its mission and deliver its programmes to all in Bahrain,” said Mr Al Ansari.
“Beit Al Quran extends its gratitude to all individuals and institutions who have contributed to this charitable project in the past.
“We encourage friends and supporters to purchase the largest possible number of calendars this year as a gesture of support for this pioneering Islamic institution in Bahrain.”

Two versions of the new calendar – a wall calendar and a desk calendar – along with greeting cards and postcards are available at Beit Al Quran.
Call 17290101 for more details. Beit Al Quran is open to visitors on Saturday and Thursday, from 8.30am to 1.30pm and from Sunday to Wednesday from 8.30am to 4pm while being closed on Friday.
nader@gdnmedia.bh