Today we’d like to introduce you to Minahil Muzaffar.
Hi minahil, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Arabic calligraphy began during one of the most difficult and transformative periods of my life. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when the world felt uncertain and everything slowed down, that loneliness inside me awakened something artistic. The need to create something beautiful, something that could be appreciated and celebrated. My second child was only two years old then, and like many parents, I was balancing motherhood and the emotional weight of so much extra responsibility.
In the quiet moments of those long days, I found myself seeking peace and grounding. I turned to the Holy Qur’an for comfort, and with it came a deep pull toward the beauty of the written word. The curves, harmony, and spirituality of Arabic calligraphy felt like a sanctuary, one I could enter with nothing but ink, paper, and intention.
What began as a way to cope with stress slowly became a form of worship, reflection, and self-expression. Writing verses from the Qur’an brought serenity to my heart and reminded me of the strength and mercy that surrounds us even in hardship. Each stroke became a prayer. Each composition, a moment of connection.
As I practiced day by day, often late at night after my children were asleep, I felt myself growing not only as an artist, but as a person. Calligraphy taught me patience, discipline, and gratitude. It gave me a voice, a purpose, and a way to share beauty and meaning with others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an Arabic calligraphy artist in the United States has been both meaningful and challenging. While my art is rooted deeply in faith, culture, and personal expression, the journey of sharing it here has not been easy. The audience for Arabic calligraphy is small, and the demand is unpredictable. Many people admire the beauty of the script, but few understand its significance enough to invest in it. Because of that, I often find myself creating pieces without any orders, with no clear market, and with limited storage space to keep paintings that may never find a home.
At the same time, my life as a mother of three makes this path even harder. Between caring for my children, managing the house, and balancing everyday responsibilities, I struggle to find the time and energy to work the way I want to. I have ideas, passion, and a love for my craft—but time slips away quickly when your day is filled with motherhood and life’s demands. I often feel torn between my responsibilities and the desire to grow as an artist.
Marketing my work has been another major challenge. I know the importance of promoting my art, but navigating social media, photography, content creation, and online sales can be overwhelming—especially when I am already stretched thin. Without consistent orders, it becomes discouraging to keep investing hours, materials, and space into paintings that might not sell.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an Arabic calligraphy artist specializing in Thuluth script and textured acrylic art, I am most proud of the dedication and perseverance that brought me to where I am today. Mastering Thuluth—one of the most elegant, complex, and disciplined scripts in Arabic calligraphy—takes years of practice, patience, and precision. I’m proud that I have committed myself to this craft despite the challenges of raising a family, living far from my cultural art community, and balancing daily responsibilities.
I take pride in creating pieces that carry spiritual meaning and emotional depth. Every artwork represents not just my skill, but my journey—my faith, my struggle, my growth, and the quiet moments I carved out for myself amid motherhood and life’s demands. I’m proud that my art has allowed me to stay connected to my identity, my language, and the beauty of the Qur’anic verses that inspire my work.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
no
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcali2020.com
- Instagram: @mcali2020
- Facebook: M Cali
- Youtube: @mcali572
Image Credits
I took all the photos myself
