Where Ink Meets
Āyah
Alhamdulillah, one stroke at a time, I bring the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and the Qurʾān to life. Based in New York City — offering calligraphy workshops, online Qurʾān & Tajweed classes, and bespoke Islamic calligraphy art worldwide. 🌸
Art rooted in faith & devotion
Assalamoalaikum Warahmatullahi wa Barakatuh! I'm Saemah Shamim, an Arabic calligraphy artist, Hafizah and educator based in New York City.
For over a decade, alhamdulillah, I've been on a beautiful journey with the art of Arabic calligraphy and the Qurʾān. Every letter I write carries a piece of my heart, and every student I teach reminds me why I started.
I host workshops, collaborate on bespoke calligraphy pieces, and teach one-to-one classes, all rooted in a genuine love for helping sisters connect with Arabic script, Tajweed, and the deeply personal journey of Hifz.
I also have the honour of reciting the Qurʾān at events in and around New York City, in person and online. It truly fills my soul every single time, alhamdulillah.
🎙️ Invite Me to Recite at Your EventServices & Classes
Every offering is made with care, patience, and a whole lot of love, in shāʾ Allāh!
One-to-one lessons and group workshops for all levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your art, you're so welcome here.
All LevelsPersonalised pieces for weddings, gifts, and home décor. Each calligraphy artwork is hand-lettered with deep intention and so much love, in shāʾ Allāh.
BespokeQurʾān memorisation and Tajweed classes for sisters and girls in a warm, nurturing space. Your Hifz journey starts here, in shāʾ Allāh.
Sisters OnlyFrom learning your first letters to having full conversations. Tailored to your pace, your level, and your goals.
All Levels← Swipe to explore services →
Upcoming Events
Come join us! Whether in person or online, there's always something beautiful on the calendar. In-person workshops in New York City and online classes worldwide.
Jul2026
Arabic Calligraphy Workshop
Join me for a relaxing and soulful Arabic calligraphy workshop, in shāʾ Allāh. A calm and welcoming space to slow down, connect with the beauty of Arabic script, and explore your creativity. You'll be gently guided step by step in creating your own meaningful piece.
Available Dates
⚠️ Spaces are limited, so reserve yours soon!
Week
Online Qurʾān & Tajweed Classes
Join my ongoing online Qurʾān and Tajweed classes from wherever you are in the world. Tailored to your level in a warm and supportive environment, in shāʾ Allāh.
Week
Online Arabic Language Classes
Learn Arabic from the comfort of your home! From foundational vocabulary and grammar to conversational fluency, tailored to your pace and level, in shāʾ Allāh.
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Calligraphy Art on Sale!
Each piece is created with intention, love, and devotion — a labour of the heart, in shāʾ Allāh. Bespoke Islamic calligraphy art, shipping within the US. Order via inkayat.com.
Interested in owning a piece? Each artwork is available for purchase. Reach out via email or Instagram @saemahs_calligraphy to enquire about availability, custom orders, or shipping within the US. 💌
Birds & Branches
$85A delicate ink illustration of birds among flowing branches with Arabic calligraphy, presented in a classic gold frame. Serene and timeless.
Crimson Devotion
$60Bold abstract in deep crimson with an expressive white-splattered ground, calligraphy at the heart. A passionate and dramatic statement piece.
Guide Us to the Straight Path
$45Ihdinas siratal mustaqeem — a Qurʾānic supplication from Al-Fatihah rendered on a rich mandala-patterned canvas in warm amber and black ink.
Heart of Words
$90Arabic calligraphy composed in the shape of a heart — verses of the Qurʾān intertwined with beauty and love. Mounted in an elegant gold frame.
Amber Branches
$50Dark ink branches stretch across a glowing amber canvas — a meditation on resilience and natural beauty, painted with calligraphic brushwork.
Illuminated Verse
$85A richly layered mixed-media piece in blue, teal, and gold featuring Qurʾānic text within circular medallions — inspired by illuminated manuscripts.
Hasbunallah
$40Hasbunallahu wa niʿmal wakeel — 'Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs.' Carved texture on warm terracotta canvas, lit by candlelight.
The Whirling Dervish
$30Ink and wash on canvas capturing the spiritual ecstasy of the Sufi whirling dervish. Painted with gestural, calligraphic strokes on aged paper tones.
Heart of Words · Wall Display
$90The Heart of Words piece displayed on a wall — showing how it transforms any space. Same piece, beautifully lit in a home setting. Available framed.
Created in Pairs
$85Wa khalaqnakum azwajan — 'And We created you in pairs' (Qurʾān 78:8). A bespoke nikah and wedding gift featuring two joined hands in elegant line art.
When My Servants Ask
$40Wa idha saalaka ibadi anni — 'And when My servants ask you concerning Me...' (Qurʾān 2:186). A large-scale gold wall commission. Contact for bespoke pricing.
Verse in Amber
$45Deep amber canvas with bold black Arabic calligraphy — raw, expressive, and rooted in devotion. A striking addition to any space.
Created in Pairs · Nikah Gift
$85Wa khalaqnakum azwajan — 'And We created you in pairs' — displayed at a nikah ceremony. A heartfelt, meaningful gift for newly-weds.
Al-Ikhlas · Surah 112
$45Qul huwa Allahu ahad — the declaration of divine oneness from Surah Al-Ikhlas, rendered on a wooden-tone canvas with golden floral borders.
Ayatul Kursi
$55The Throne Verse — Ayatul Kursi — written in flowing Arabic script on a cream canvas in deep burgundy ink. One of the most beloved verses of the Qurʾān.
The Eye of the Soul
$85A striking mixed-media composition in blue and gold, centred around a calligraphic eye motif. Where sight meets the divine word.
Ayatul Kursi · Round
$55Ayatul Kursi composed in a circular composition — a piece that commands attention on any wall. Shown here in Saemah's studio alongside her calligraphy tools.
Istanbul Mosque
$60A detailed hand-drawn pen and watercolour illustration of the historic Istanbul mosque — a labour of love celebrating Islamic architecture.
Created in Pairs · Rose Canvas
$50A rose-toned canvas version of the beloved 'Created in Pairs' (Qurʾān 78:8) — soft, romantic, and perfect as a wedding or anniversary gift.
Rabbi Zidni Ilma
$45Wa qul rabbi zidni ilman — 'O my Lord, increase me in knowledge' (Qurʾān 20:114). Warm amber tones on textured canvas — a supplication for the seeker.
The Emerald Verse
$60Gold Arabic calligraphy on a rich emerald and teal background with white floral motifs. A large, commanding statement piece full of depth and majesty.
Calligraphy Bird
$55A calligraphic horse rendered entirely from Arabic script — every line of the animal's form is a letter, a word, a verse. Art and language as one.
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Collaborate With Me
Whether you're planning an Islamic event, running a coffee shop, or leading a community organisation in New York City — I'd love to bring art, learning, and barakah to your space.
Have an idea? Let's talk.
I'm always open to meaningful collaborations across New York City and beyond. Send me a message and let's create something with barakah.
What the Sisters Say About My Work
Alhamdulillah, these words mean everything. From our Arabic calligraphy workshops in New York City to online Qurʾān students worldwide — jazākAllāh khayr. 🤍
🎨 Arabic Calligraphy Workshop
Every little detail made the workshop a cozy, meditative and creative experience that attracted amazing sisters from all walks of life. You have a beautiful soul and it shows in everything you do!
Thank you for such a beautiful, fun, creative and inspirational experience. Your guidance, warmth, generosity and talent made it so fulfilling and memorable.
Everything about today was so beautiful and perfect, alhamdulillah. The way you ran the workshop with so much love, care and grace was so endearing and inspiring.
I enjoyed this more than I could have imagined and I am so proud of what I made! The coffee meetup afterwards ended the day on such a special note!
I had so much fun! You're so sweet and super talented, MashaAllah. I loved the gifts too, so thoughtful and kind.
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📖 Qurʾān & Tajweed Students
Before joining this course, I struggled to apply Tajweed rules correctly. Ustadha Saemah explained each concept so clearly that within weeks, my recitation became smoother and more confident.
Her teaching is filled with patience and clarity. I finally understood and corrected the mistakes I had been making in Huroof Al Makhaarij!
I enrolled my 10-year-old daughter in this course and she now recites the Qurʾān beautifully and confidently. I highly recommend it to parents!
Learning Tajweed has completely transformed the way I recite the Qurʾān. Every lesson was explained with such clarity and care that it truly touched my heart. Because of Saemah's teaching, I can now recite with the right pronunciation and feel a deeper connection every time I read. I would truly recommend her to anyone who wants to learn the Qurʾān beautifully and correctly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started. In shāʾ Allāh, I've tried to answer as much as I can here. Still have a question? Just reach out!
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Get in Touch
Whether you want to collaborate on a piece, join a class, or simply have a question. I'd love to hear from you, in shāʾ Allāh.