For the Love of
Art and Traditionn
Welcome to ACAS
Arabic Calligraphy Association of Sri Lanka
Our History
The Arabic Calligraphy Association of Sri Lanka (ACAS) was founded by Ustaz A.B.M.Ashraff in 2017. It was a critical historical period marked by significant societal challenges. Its inception was influenced by the Islamophobic campaigns that surfaced in 2009, following the conclusion of the conflict with the LTTE. Drawing inspiration from insights provided by the Bridge Initiative and discussions with key opinion leaders from the Sinhala Buddhist community and Prominent Muslims, the need to promote art and culture within the Muslim community became apparent. Arabic calligraphy was selected as the starting point due to its deep cultural and spiritual significance within the Muslim tradition.
ACAS had a modest yet historically significant beginning. On September 16, 2017, a small group of Arabic calligraphy enthusiasts, led by Mr. A.B.M. Ashraff, convened at the chamber of senior lawyer and social activist Mr. Ashraff Roomi. This meeting marked the formal establishment of the Arabic Calligraphy Association of Sri Lanka.
Some of the participants of this meeting who joined hands with Mr. A.B.M.Ashraff should be recorded are: Ustaz Junaid Nasser, Mr Ashraff Roomi, and Moulaviya Nuskiya Naseer.
From its inception, ACAS collaborated closely with the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. However, the initial engagement with MRCA, was met with a lackluster response, which left the ACAS team disheartened. This prompted Ustas Ashraff to leave his role as a senior consultant at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration and take on the position of Director of Muslim Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Postal Services and Muslim Affairs. His determination aimed to fill the leadership gap and revitalize efforts to promote Arabic calligraphy.
At the time of ACAS’s formation, Sri Lanka lacked trained Arabic calligraphers. Recognizing this gap, Ustaz Ashraff initiated efforts to build a foundation for Arabic calligraphy in the country. By mid-2018, he wrote to Arabic colleges nationwide at his official capacity as Director of Muslim Religious Affairs, inviting applications for calligraphy training programs. The response was overwhelming, with approximately 500 applications from around 200 Arabic colleges, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for art and culture.
A significant milestone occurred in December 2018, when the Ministry of Muslim Affairs invited the renowned Chinese calligrapher Haji Noor Deen and his wife Mrs. Fathima Noor Deen to Sri Lanka in collaboration with ACAS. Over a 10-day period, they conducted workshops and training sessions, laying a strong foundation for Arabic calligraphy in the country. This was followed by another major event: a five-day training program in mid-2019, sponsored by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia. A three-member resource team, led by Ustaz Bandar Al-Omary, conducted the program for approximately 25 calligraphy enthusiasts. These training sessions left a profound impact on the development of Arabic calligraphy in Sri Lanka, serving as a catalyst for further progress in this art form.
In the same year, Ustaz J.M. Uvais, a formally trained Arabic calligrapher with four years of education at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, joined ACAS to further its mission. Ustaz J.M.Uvais remains the only certified Arabic calligrapher in Sri Lanka, and his works, including covers for the prestigious Islamic magazine “Islamiya Chinthanai”, published by Jamiah Naleemiah Institute, stand as a testament to his skill.
From its inception, ACAS has emphasized the training of trainers to ensure the art form’s sustainability and growth. Today, the association proudly boasts 10 teachers capable of teaching basic Arabic calligraphy, with three lead trainers working under the guidance and supervision of Ustaz J.M.Uvais. Looking ahead, ACAS plans to produce 25-50 qualified Arabic calligraphy teachers within the next 3-5 years, ensuring the availability of trained instructors in every district.
ACAS believes in leveraging partnerships and capitalizing on synergies to achieve sustainable results. In this direction, it has already built strong partnerships with the Government of Sri Lanka, Ittihadul Madaris (a collective of around 260 Arabic colleges), YMMA, and the Serandib Schools Development Foundation. These collaborations have significantly enhanced its ability to promote Arabic calligraphy and ensure sustainable progress.
In addition to expanding its teaching capacity and partnerships, ACAS also plans to host competitions and an annual exhibition to showcase the growing talent and passion for Arabic calligraphy in Sri Lanka. These initiatives are expected to further inspire and engage the community while preserving and promoting the rich tradition of Arabic calligraphy for future generations.
