Sacred script, spiritual art: Sadia Fahad’s therapeutic calligraphy

UAE-based Pakistani visual artist Sadia Fahad blends Arabic calligraphy and abstract expression. She has developed a personal style that weaves together sacred texts, emotion-evoking brushwork and vibrant palettes, rooted in spiritual and cultural symbolism and her own meditations.

Her art practice centres around the transformative power of words — particularly verses from the Holy Qur’an. She reinterprets traditional calligraphy through contemporary techniques, using colour - earthy greens, golds, and muted tones, among others – and form and rhythm to invoke introspection and connection.

She is particularly proud of Woman of Resilience, a deeply personal artwork that departs from her usual focus on calligraphy.

“This painting celebrates the strength, courage, and silent power of women in our society,” Sadia says. “With her head raised and eyes closed in quiet determination, the figure represents every woman’s journey through struggle, healing, and self-worth. It is my tribute to the inner battles women fight daily, often unseen, yet fiercely transformative.”

Woman of Resilience.

Having lived in the UAE for over a decade, her work also draws inspiration from the region’s rich Islamic heritage and architectural beauty. Sadia’s paintings have been exhibited in various galleries and wellness initiatives in the UAE. She also conducts workshops and private sessions, using art as a medium of healing, self-expression and cultural dialogue. She speaks to Gulf Today

Why does calligraphy attract you?

My connection to calligraphy began in childhood. The first painting I created, back in Pakistan when I was just in Grade 9, was of the name “Allah”, done on a multicoloured background. At the time, I didn’t know much about art or calligraphy - but something in me was drawn to expressing divine names visually. Years later, in 2017, when I began painting again in the UAE, the first expression my brush formed was “Alhamdulillah”, again in vibrant, rainbow-inspired hues. It felt like coming full circle. Calligraphy, for me, is a form of remembrance, gratitude, and emotional healing — it is where my art and my faith truly meet.

Why do you choose abstract expressionism to complement the realism of calligraphy?

Calligraphy has structure, rhythm, and sacred meaning. Abstract expressionism allows me to break those boundaries and add emotional and spiritual dimensions to the words. The freedom of abstraction allows colours, forms and textures to dance around the calligraphic text. The contrast brings balance, as emotion meets structure.

What are the qualities needed to be a good calligrapher?

Discipline, patience, and spiritual connection are essential. A good calligrapher isn’t just someone who writes well — it’s someone who understands the depth and meaning behind the words. It’s also important to constantly learn, observe, and refine your aesthetic sensitivity. Precision comes with practice, but soul comes from intent.

Calligraphy rises in waves.

Why is colour a great medium for calligraphy?

Colour adds emotion to meaning. While Arabic calligraphy carries powerful textual beauty, colour elevates its emotional resonance. Colour creates rhythm and mood. It transforms a script into an experience.

Who are the Calligraphy Masters you look up to?

I deeply admire Sadequain and Ismail Gulgee, legendary Pakistani artists, who redefined the use of calligraphy in modern art. Their boldness and spiritual insights continue to inspire me. From the UAE, Diaa Alam stands out for his contemporary public art and innovative calligraphic style. These artists remind me that calligraphy is timeless — it evolves while holding onto its essence.

Is it correct to say there are no women master calligraphers?

Absolutely not. While historically women may have had fewer platforms in traditional calligraphy, it is changing. Many women around the world are now mastering the art and bringing unique perspectives to it. When women engage with calligraphy, they bring a new softness and power to the form. I see myself as part of this evolving narrative.

What makes women subjects of art for you?

The women I paint are symbols of strength, resilience, and silent power. I believe every woman is born with invisible wings - wings of determination, self-belief, and devotion. We just need to trust those wings and spread them, and they will lift us above life’s challenges. In my piece Woman of Resilience, she stands tall with her head lifted and eyes closed in peace — representing the spiritual grace and inner strength that so many women carry. My work celebrates this resilience, not as an ideal, but as a lived reality.

Sadia Fahad is based in the UAE.

How is art linked to wellness? How are you connected to wellness as an artist?

Art is a meditative, healing space. It allows us to process emotions, express what words can’t, and reconnect with our inner selves. As an artist, I’ve experienced this healing power firsthand. When I paint, especially divine names or verses, I feel a sense of alignment and peace. It grounds me, helps me cope, and uplifts my spirit. Through workshops and community art sessions, I’ve also seen how art can bring wellness to others. It becomes therapy, a language of emotional release, and a way to reconnect with faith and purpose.

How have Pakistan and the UAE impacted you as an artist?

Pakistan gave me my first connection to calligraphy and an inspiration rooted in culture and spirituality. The UAE, on the other hand, gave me space to explore, grow, and express myself freely. Pakistan is where my artistic soul was born, and the UAE is where it blossomed fully. Together, they form the dual heartbeat of my creative journey. Both places are deeply embedded in my identity.