The Al-Qalam project aims to produce a unique copy of the Holy Qur'an: one in which each verse has been penned by a different writer, thereby celebrating the fact that many diverse people can unify behind the teachings of the one book.
Calligraphy is a fundamental element and one of the most highly regarded forms of Islamic Art. Derived from the Greek words ‘Kallos’ (beauty) and ‘Graphein’ (to write), early Islamic calligraphers would dedicate their whole life to writing Quranic manuscripts. Calligraphy requires intense focus and precision which is acquired over decades of practice.
Now, in the age of rapid technological advancement, writing may not be valued as much as before. Modern forms of communication such iPads and tablets are being preferred to traditional forms of artistry. Therefore, one of the inspirations behind this project is to bring back the art of writing. Under the supervision of an expert calligrapher anyone wishing to participate in the historic Al-Qalam project can do so without any experience of calligraphy.
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The Al-Qalam project brought people together in showing their love for the Holy Qur'an.The Al-Qalam Project was founded by Razwan Baig and was officially launched by His Holiness The Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba). The project is the first of its kind in which each participant contributes a single verse and thus the complete text of the Holy Qur’an will be entirely handwritten by members of the public.
Another unique feature of this project is that it is open to people of all faiths as the Holy Qur'an is the word of God for the whole of mankind. Travelled across the world from UK, to Germany, Canada to India the Al-Qalam Project is coming back to UK at this year's RORexhibition during Jalsa Salana UK 2017. The Al-Qalam project will be running during the three days of the RORexhibition at Jalsa Salana UK 2017. Please note: that there will be limited spaces available for this project. Be a part of history today! The Al-Qalam Project was officially launched in 2016 by His Holiness The Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).
Here is a short AL-Qalam video about ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW! |
Since its official launch in 2016, the Al-Qalam project has travelled across the world, most recently in India, Canada and Germany.
Here, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is visiting the Al-Qalam project at The Review of Religions Exhibtion at the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany 2016.
The exhibition centres around a life-size replica of Turin Shroud, argued by some to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ, used after the crucifixion.Building on the success of the 2015 & 2016 exhibitions, The Review of Religions is pleased to host once again a life-sized replica of the Turin Shroud and the Tomb of Jesus at this year’s annual convention in Alton, Hampshire.
A new addition this year is the replica of The Sudarium of Oviedo; which is believed to be the cloth placed on the face of Jesus (as) following his crucifixion. 
Barrie Schwortz was the Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project - is delivering lecture to the audience.
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The Turin Shroud Exhibition has become an international forum for academics and experts on The Shroud of Turin. Visitors will be able to meet the team that conducted the first in-depth scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978.As one of only a few existing around the world, the Shroud exhibit is displayed by Pam Moon, a Shroud expert who uses the replica as a visual aid to tell the story of the crucifixion. The Review of Religions welcomes back Barrie Schwortz, who is widely acclaimed as one of the leading experts on the Shroud. Barrie was the Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project – the only group to have conducted an-depth scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978. The BAFTA Award winning British film-maker David Rolfe also attended the event and used clips from the Jalsa Salana in his film “A Grave Injustice” narrating that this exhibition is “the biggest event the Shroud has seen outside of Turin for centuries.” Barrie will also present his research in seminars that will be held throughout the three day convention.
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Barrie Schwortz had the opportunity to meet His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad - Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and introduce the exhibition.
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community graciously visited The Review of Religions’ exhibit at the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK 2015 and took great interest in all of the different components of the exhibit.
Discover how calligraphy has formed an integral aspect of Islamic culture for the past 1400 years.
In Islam, calligraphy represents a medium to convey the word of God. This exhibition will examine how calligraphy is, in its very essence, an act of devotion. |
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Razwan Baig - who is one of the UK's largest private Islamic art collector - will once again bring his remarkable collection of ancient manuscripts of the Holy Qur'an, textile and ceramics.
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Visitors will have the chance to explore an incredible collection by Razwan Baig of artefacts from Islamic history which portray the beauty and intricacy of this fine art.
Prior to the invention of the printing press, it was the scribe who bore the heavy responsibility for spreading the scripture of the Holy Qur’an, considered by Muslims as the direct word of God. Restrictions on human iconography led artisans and specialists to develop a mastery over other forms of art, with calligraphy receiving particular attention. A breathtaking variety of calligraphic material from the Islamic world will be on display, showing how the study and practice of calligraphy has embedded itself as part of Islamic culture, and remains an integral form of devotion to God. |
Razwan Baig will also run a workshop as well as seminars on the subject of calligraphy and give an opportunity to the audience to learn more about this delicate art.
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (centre), at The Review of Religions Exhibtion at the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK 2015. Razwan Baig (left) had his unique private collection on display and here shows old copies of the Quran and other ancient artefacts to His Holiness.
Some highlights of previous years The Review of Religions exhibition.
The Review of Religions International Shroud Conference 2017Entrance to the conference is by registration only, & seats are limited so please register your interest here.
The Review of Religions Exhibition has become an international forum for academics and experts on The Shroud of Turin. Visitors will be able to meet one of the team members that conducted the first in-depth scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978.
At this year's exhibition, Shroud researchers from the US, Italy, Spain, and UK will present their latest historical and scientific research. To be part of the conference all participants need to pre-register their interest. Register here to attend the conference. More information on speakers can be found here. |
The Al-Qalam ProjectA unique Holy Qur'an project
The Al-Qalam project was founded by Razwan Baig and was officially launched by His Holiness The Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) officially launched the historic Al-Qalam Project at the UK’s Annual Convention. The project is the first of its kind in which each participant contributes a single verse and thus the complete text of the Holy Quran will be entirely handwritten by members of the public. Another unique feature of this project is that it is open to people of all faiths as the Holy Qur'an is the word of God for the whole of mankind. Since its official launch in 2016, the Al-Qalam project has travelled across the world, most recently in India, Canada and Germany. This unique and historic project will return this year to the UK for its final phase. |
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Devotion through beautifying the word of God
Islamic calligraphy is used to inspire the reader towards the word of God. We invite you to witness an incredible collection of Islamic calligraphy from across the world. The artefacts are brought together from the collection of Razwan Baig, who has built his stunning collection over the last 25 years. Among the speakers will also be:
Mohamed Abd-Salam - Deputy Director of the museum of Islamic art in Cairo which has one of the largest Islamic art collections in the world. |
Rare life-size replica
After last year’s immense success, The Review of Religions is pleased to host once again a life-sized replica of the Turin Shroud and the Tomb of Jesus at this year’s annual convention.
A new addition this year is the replica of The Sudarium of Oviedo; which is believed to be the cloth placed on the face of Jesus (as) following his crucifixion. |
