In Pursuit of Transcendence,
through the Arts
Khalid Casado
Nihad Dukhan
Our mission is carried out through the hosting of events, workshops, lectures, performances, and galleries.
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Threading the Legacy of the Past into the Tapestry of Contemporary Art, Illuminating Pathways to the Future
Workshops
Reed Society regularly organize sacred art and music workshops in the Washington DC area, and are highly experienced in organizing throughout the United States. We connect you to trained educators who are masters in a variety of sacred traditions. Try your hand at the art of illumination, Arabic calligraphy, sacred geometry, devotional poetry or explore music modes from a different musical tradition such as Qawwali or Khayal. We work with museums, universities, private schools, youth groups, even law firms and consulting firms.
Retreats
Throughout the year, Reed Society offer retreats for in-depth study of sacred art. These are two or three day events which bring aspirants from all across the United States to our nation's capital. In addition, we host an annual retreat in the majestic landscape of New Mexico with our partners The West African Calligraphy Institute and Dar al Islam. This is open to seekers of beauty from all backgrounds and all levels.
Performances
Reed Society organize concerts throughout the United States with our network of musicians. We work with a wide range of musical traditions including folk singers from India, various Qawwali artists, Munshidin (vocal reciters) from Morocco, traditional Takht or classical eastern music ensemble, and an Andulsian group. Reed Society has amplified the sacred sounds of these musicians onto stages such as Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, SXSW, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art and United States Institute of Peace (USIP).
Our Initiatives
Music for
the
Eyes Retreat
the Reed Society for the Sacred Arts and the West African Calligraphy Institute invite you to discover the diversity of the calligraphic form, to learn from practitioners, both of traditional schools and those at the frontiers of Islam, and to join a growing community of people who seek to increase human understanding and compassion through artistic expression. If, in the words of the American calligrapher, Mohamed Zakariya,“calligraphy is music for the eyes,” then we invite you to join us this October in Abiquiu, New Mexico for a beautiful symphony.
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National Sufi Ensemble
The Reed Society for the Sacred Arts presents ”Dhruv Sangari and the National Sufi Ensemble.” Ustad Dhruv Sangari “Bilal Chisty,” savant and maestro of qawwali, brings this 700 year transcendent music form to the world with his US based National Sufi Ensemble. The music grounded in traditional studied Sufi practice transports the listener to the third space of no space, a place beyond place and time where the listener can experience the Divine.
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Art of Aleppo:
Preserving Syrian
Art and Music
Nine years after the war broke out in Syria, millions of Syrians have been displaced throughout the world. Through the talent of Amar Chebib, Jason Hamacher, and Samir Ali, Reed Society for the Sacred Arts aims to spread awareness of Syria’s spiritual and cultural riches and shed light on the perseverance of the Syrian people in wake of one of the greatest humanitarian crisies of the twenty-first century.
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About
Mission
Art cannot be called "sacred" just because the subject is "religious"; its formal execution must also echo spirituality. Our hope here at RSSA is for individuals in the United States and beyond to be exposed to the art forms that have flourished for centuries founded on a science of subtleties.
Through the hosting of events, workshops, lectures, performances, and exhibitions, our mission is to create a paradigm shift in how the public approaches sacred art and music. RSSA aims to cultivate understanding of the sacred aspects of the artistic process from inspiration to execution.
Making beautiful objects, learning complex patterns, working with your hands seem to be coded into our DNA. Traditional art such as sacred geometry, Arabic calligraphy, paper illumination, miniature painting, or woodcarving often have their origins outside of the United States. There are many people who travel to Istanbul, Fez, Delhi, Lahore or London to learn these art forms. As the director of an organization whose mission it is to promote these “niche crafts" at universities and museums, I know through firsthand experience of a burgeoning group of people compelled to travel abroad to learn from masters. Some of these individuals spent ten, twenty years, honing these skills. Reed Society works hard to bring these men and women, now teachers, to the United States and transmit the cultural knowledge that is encased within these forms of art.
We believe traditional art forms have the seeds of culture enfolded within them, knowledge that has been practiced for hundreds of years. In our very complex American society, with such heterogeneous populations coexisting, it is incumbent for each one of us to learn the history of one another. Traditional art forms offer unique insight into other cultures but also provide a much needed healing effect on populations that have been cut off from their traditions, including various diaspora populations, immigrants, and refugees.
From my own practice of Arabic calligraphy to my work in promoting these art forms, I believe that not investing in bringing these art forms is actually detrimental to the overall health and well being of our society. We are invested in working with universities, museums and nonprofits to create platforms where we can preserve and promote these forms of art.
Aisha Imam
Aisha Imam is the founder and executive director of Reed Society for the Sacred Arts and an aspiring calligrapher, working under the guidance of Mohamed Zakariya and Nuria Garcia Masip. She has served on the Islamic Art Advisory Committee at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, consulted with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and collaborated with The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and numerous universities and other nonprofits across the United States to promote sacred art and music. Aisha lives in Bethesda with her husband and four daughters.
Vincent Osier
Mr. Vincent Osier is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and a geographer, anthropologist, archaeologist, and statistician by training and occupation. He has had a lifelong interest and passion for the arts and history. His journey with Arabic script calligraphy began in 2011 when he was accepted to be a student of master calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya. He is particularly fascinated by the history and development of the Arabic script, including Ottoman Turkish and Persian, especially the Ottoman master calligraphers and the Istanbul school and their spiritual influences. A native of Minneapolis, he now resides in the Washington, DC with his wife, two wonderful children, and two cat companions.
Emin Lelić
Dr. Emin Lelić received his doctorate from the University of Chicago, where he defended his dissertation on science and empire in the Ottoman Empire. His interests include calligraphy, Ottoman, Middle Eastern and Eastern European history and literature, and horseback riding. He is currently an Associate Professor of history at Salisbury University.
Institutions and organizations we have collaborated with in the past:
The Walters Art Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
GWU Textile Museum
Qatar America Institute Culture
United States Institute of Peace
Kennedy Center Millenium Stage
Ghost Ranch
Princeton University
George Washington University
American University
Salisbury University
University of Chicago
Yale University
Stanford University
District of Raga (Washington DC)
Sufi Corner (Monteclair, NJ)
Seldon Institute (Chicago, IL)
Dar Al Islam (Abiqui, New Mexico)
Naadvistar (Delhi, India)
Barzak Cafe (Brooklyn, NY)
West African Calligraphy Institute (Pecos, New Mexico)
Events
Saturday,
February 22
2025
We invite you to learn the art of illumination with NY based artist Behnaz Karjoo for a two day retreat!
Islamic illumination is the use of gold to paint geometric or biomorphic patterns historically used to decorate the pages of sacred scripture and prayer books or books of poetry.
Join us for a unique experience in an intimate setting where you explore this art form. This in-person event will immerse you in a weekend of self-discovery, growth, and relaxation. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore your inner light.
Reserve your spot now!
Book Now
Reed Society for Sacred Arts HQ
- Sat, Feb 22, 2025 10AM – Sun, Feb 23, 2025 3PM
Saturday,
January 18
2025
Dr. Noori is a practicing physician who trained with master calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya for years. He received his ijaza, or certification, in 2022 at the first ceremony of its kind in the United States which was hosted by Reed Society. Dr. Noori's skilled hand brings forth the elegance and grace of Arabic script, offering insights into a rich cultural heritage.
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning the art of Arabic script. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a Maryland based master calligrapher.
Book Now
Reed Society for Sacred Arts HQ
10AM – 1:30PM
Saturday,
October 26
2024
Enjoy a free, special concert by this Sufi inspired vocal group led by Qari Sidi Anwar Barrada from Morocco. He is accompanied by traditional instruments that make up a takht, the classical music ensemble of Middle Eastern music.
The Diyanet Center of America
7PM
Friday,
October 4
2024
An artistic and spiritual retreat anchored in three traditions of Arabic calligraphy: West African, Ottoman, and Persian. For more information visit www.musicfortheyes.com
- Dar Ul Islam
- Fri, Oct 4, 2024 7PM – Tue, Oct 8, 2024 5AM
Sunday,
September 15
2024
Join us for an enlightening experience as we delve into the world of illumination with the talented artist Behnaz Karjoo. Discover the magic of light and shadow as Behnaz shares her unique techniques and insights into the art of illumination. This in-person event promises to be a feast for the eyes and a source of inspiration for all art enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness creativity in action.
- The Old American Can Factory
- 10AM – 7PM
Wednesday,
August 21
2024
Enjoy a free, special concert by this Sufi inspired vocal group led by Qari Sidi Anwar Barrada from Morocco. He
is accompanied by traditional instruments that make up
a takht, the classical music ensemble of Middle Eastern music.
View Recording
- The Kennedy Center
- 6PM – 8PM
Sunday,
August 18
2024
Join us for a transformative weekend retreat exploring the art of Qawwali with the renowned Bilal Chishty, one of the last students of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This immersive experience includes a special concert for participants on Saturday evening at the Diyanet Center.
- Reed Society HQ
- 10AM – 4PM
Saturday,
August 17
2024
We invite you to enjoy an evening of qawaali, Indian devotional music, with Dhruv Sangari (aka Bilal Chishty) and The National Sufi Ensemble.
- Diyanet Center of America
- 7PM – 9PM
Sunday,
July 7
2024
Meet the Moroccan Sufi teacher Shaykh Mohamed
Faouzi al-Karkari and hear his insights on the practice of Islamic calligraphy.
View Recording
- Reed Society HQ
- 1PM – 4PM
Wednesday,
May 15
2024
Join USIP, in coordination with the Reed Society for the Sacred Arts, for an in-person performance of Kabir poetry from Prahlad Singh Tipanya and his ensemble. Translations of the musical poetry will be made available during the concert by scholar and translator of Kabir, Dr. Linda Hess.
- 2:30PM – 4:30PM
Sunday,
April 28
2024
Welcome to the Arabic Calligraphy Workshop with Khalid Casado! Join us on Sun Apr 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at the grand Old American Can Factory for a unique experience. Learn from the talented Khalid Casado as he guides you through the art of Arabic calligraphy. This in-person workshop is a great opportunity to explore a new skill and unleash your creativity. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
- Old American Can Factory
- 10AM – 4PM
Saturday,
April 27
2024
We invite you to learn the art of illumination with Behnaz Karjoo for a Weekend Retreat! Join us for a transformative experience with Behnaz Karjoo. This in-person event will immerse you in a weekend of self-discovery, growth, and relaxation. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore your inner light.
- Sat, April 28, 2024 10AM – Sun, April 29, 2024 4PM
Saturday,
April 27
2024
Welcome to the Arabic Calligraphy Workshop with Khalid Casado! Learn from the talented Khalid Casado as he guides you through the art of Arabic calligraphy. This in-person workshop is a great opportunity to explore a new skill and unleash your creativity. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
- Sufi Corner Cafe in Montclair, NJ
- 10AM – 4PM
Saturday,
February 24
2024
Arabic Calligraphy Retreat with master calligrapher Dr. Nihad Dukhan! Join us for a weekend intensive, open to ALL levels!
- Sat, Feb 24, 2024 10AM – Sun, Feb 25, 2024 5PM
Friday,
November 17
2023
Join us at the Flow with Arabic Calligraphy in Bethesda, Maryland, and let your creativity flow!
All resources included at the session.
- Bethesda, Maryland Bethesda, MD
- Fri, Nov 17, 2023 12PM – Sun, Nov 19, 2023 6PM
Tuesday,
November 14
2023
Join us for an exciting event, Flow Into Arabic Calligraphy: Introduction for Beginners with Nuria Garcia! This in-person workshop is perfect for anyone interested in learning the beautiful art of Arabic calligraphy.
- 1319 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Sunday,
October 1
2023
Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!
Join us for a performance by Bilal Chishty and the National Sufi Ensemble as part of our Sufi Music Festival.
View Recording
- 4PM – 5PM
Sunday,
October 1
2023
Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!
Join us for a performance by Burdah Ensemble as part of our Sufi Music Festival.
View Recording
- 2PM – 3PM
Sunday,
October 1
2023
Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!
Join us for a performance and discussion with LWM as part of our Sufi Music Festival.
View Recording
- 12PM – 1PM
Sunday,
October 1
2023
Celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with NMAA!
Join us for a discussion on the importance of literature with Aisha Grey Henry and Demi as part of our Sufi Music Festival.
- 11AM – 12PM
Sunday,
October 1
2023
Al Firdaus Ensemble, based in Granada, was founded in 2012 by the English violinist and singer Ali Keeler and includes musicians from England, Spain, Morocco, and Venezuela.
Co-hosted by the Reed Society and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA)
View Recording
- Millenium Stage
- 6PM – 7PM
Friday,
September 15
2023
Join us for a captivating weekend of artistic exploration at the our calligraphy retreat with Khalid Casado in Bethesda, Maryland. Immerse yourself in the beautiful world of calligraphy and discover the art of handwritten expression.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to learn, create, and connect with like-minded individuals. You'll have ample time for personal practice, as well as opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas with fellow participants. This retreat is not just about learning calligraphy but also fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
- Fri, Sep 15, 2023 12PM – Sun, Sep 17, 2023 4PM
Tuesday,
September 12
2023
Join us for an immersive journey into the captivating world of Arabic calligraphy! This event is designed especially for beginners who are curious about this ancient art form. Led by renowned calligrapher Khalid Casado, you will learn the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy and explore its rich history and cultural significance.
- 1319 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- 5:30 – 8:30PM
Friday,
March 17
2023
Come see Bilal Chishty/Dhruv Sangari and The National Sufi Ensemble perform at South by Southwest 2023!
- Parker Jazz Club
- Fri, Mar 17, 2023 11PM – Sat, Mar 18, 2023 12:30AM
Sunday,
March 11
2023
A special opportunity to experience qawwali, Indian devotional music for an important cause: to assist the earthquake survivors in Turkiye
- Qatar America Institute for Culture
- 5:30 PM – 7PM
Saturday,
March 11
2023
Master calligraphers Aishah Holland and Nihad Dukhan will offer introductory and intermediate calligraphy workshops. Supplies are included in the price.
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
2PM – 5PM
Saturday,
March 11
2023
Come meet present-day calligraphy masters!
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
11AM – 1PM
Friday,
November 18
2022
Conversation with Aisha Imam & Andrew Nemr at the 5th Annual Designing for Empathy Summit & Workshops (2022) - DAY 2 (Mohamed Zakariya was not able to participate in this event.)
Organized by the ONE - Organization of Networks for Empathy
National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian
12:30PM – 1:30PM
Sunday,
April 10
2022
We bring to you, in partnership with the Qatar America Institute for Culture, Living Line: Living Legacy, an exhibition showcasing the inherited legacy of the art of calligraphy. Calligraphers featured: Mohamed Zakariya, Nihad Dukhan, Aishah Holland, Deniz Bektas, Davut Bektas, Nuria Garcia Masip, Khalid Casado, Josh Berer.
Qatar America Institute for Culture
Sun, Apr 10, 2022 9AM – Mon, Jun 20, 2022 9AM
Thursday,
February 10
2022
Celebrated calligrapher Şeyh Hamdullah (1436-1520), known as the father of Ottoman Calligraphy, established a tradition of calligraphy that is still practiced by artists today. His works are prominent in an accordion album, Album of Ottoman Calligraphy, which is one of only three known pieces in the United States that includes the innovative calligrapher’s signature. Join world-renowned calligrapher Mohamad Zakariya; Ashley Dimmig, Wieler-Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow in Islamic Art; Aisha Imam, Reed Society for the Sacred Arts; and independent scholar Nancy Micklewright in a virtual exploration of this important calligraphy album in the Walters collection, followed by a discussion of Şeyh Hamdullah’s legacy and the living art practice of Islamic calligraphy in the mid-Atlantic region.
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Sunday,
December 5
2021
Week 1 - The Kharabaat of Kabul
Trace the Sufi and Raga inspired musical legacy of Ustad Sarahang. (Dedicated to the suffering musicians and music of Afghanistan.)
Week 2 - Surood e Ruhani
Read tales from the world of the Qawwals, innovators of South Asia's devotional music heritage.
Week 3 - Revisiting Hazrat e Amir
Immerse yourself into the life of Amir Khusrau, the legendary "Parrot of India."
Week 4 - Rang Farida
Travel with Baba Farid through the vernacular Sufi Bhakti Sama of the Punjabs.
Sun, Dec 5, 2021 5PM – Sun, Dec 26, 2021 7PM
© 2024 Reed Society for the Sacred Arts