​In recognition of Islamic History Month 2026 and this year’s theme, The Art and Legacy of Islamic Calligraphy, Ruh invites you to Written Within: The Art of Presence - a four-week interactive virtual art therapy experience facilitated by Madiha Bhatti, RP, RCAT.

​Inspired by the rich artistic traditions of Islamic art and arabic calligraphy, the sessions will explore Islamic geometric art, mindfulness practices, guided reflection, dhikr, and creative expression. Participants will explore how art can become a meaningful tool for emotional wellness, spiritual connection, and self-reflection.

​This experience is not about artistic perfection.

​It is about slowing down, creating with intention, and making space to reconnect with yourself and Allah.

​No previous artistic or calligraphy experience is required.

​Four sessions. Eight live hours with a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Canadian Art Therapist. $25 per session.

​Maximum 40 registrants. Last day to register is Friday, October 2nd!

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​Your Four-Week Journey

​Week 1: Beginning with Intention

​🎨 Art Therapy, Mindfulness & the Sacred Tradition of Islamic Calligraphy
📅 October 3 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET

​Begin by exploring the foundations of art therapy and the spiritual tradition of Islamic calligraphy.

​Participants will learn about intention, mindfulness, patience, presence, and the etiquette (adab) of engaging with sacred text. Through guided breathing and an introductory creative exercise, we will begin exploring how the artistic process itself can become a space for reflection and emotional expression.

​Participants will also begin reflecting on one of the Names of Allah that resonates with their current life experience.

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Week 2: Drawing with Dhikr

​🎨 Finding Peace Through the Names of Allah
📅 October 10 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET

​Explore dhikr through the practice of repetition.

​Participants will reflect on one or more Names of Allah that feel personally meaningful and consider the emotions, thoughts, or experiences connected to those Names.

​Using a template shared before the session, participants will create an art piece through the repeated writing of their selected Name or Names of Allah, bringing together dhikr, mindfulness, repetition, and creative expression.

​The focus is not simply on completing the artwork, but on remaining present with the remembrance taking place while creating it.

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Week 3: Gratitude in Pattern

​🎨 Alhamdulillah & Geometric Art
📅 October 17 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET

​Create space for gratitude through Islamic geometric art, calligraphy, and reflective journaling.

​Madiha will guide participants through the creation of a simple eight-pointed geometric pattern and introduce the basic formation of Alhamdulillah.

​Participants will then personalize their artwork through colour, placement, and their own creative choices before moving into a guided journaling exercise exploring gratitude in their present lives.

​A short pre-session video will also demonstrate how to create a simple qalam at home using accessible materials.

​Week 4: Painting Hope

​🎨 Finding Healing Through the Qur’an
📅 October 24 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET

​The final session brings together the reflective, spiritual, and artistic practices explored throughout the series.

​Participants will come with a Qur’anic ayah that gives them hope or holds personal meaning and create a canvas inspired by that verse using paint, colour, and personal symbolism.

​Rather than focusing on technical artistic ability, participants will be invited to spend intentional time with the meaning of their selected ayah and reflect on what it represents within their current circumstances.

​We will close the four-week journey with shared reflection, questions, and conversation around how art, mindfulness, dhikr, gratitude, and Qur’anic connection can continue beyond the program.

​Meet Your Facilitator

​Madiha Bhatti is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Canadian Art Therapist.

​She integrates psychotherapy, art therapy, and Islamic tradition to create meaningful experiences that foster mindfulness, emotional wellness, and spiritual reflection.

​An Arabic calligrapher and former visual arts educator, Madiha has facilitated therapeutic art workshops for diverse communities across Ontario, helping participants reconnect with themselves and Allah through the traditional practices of Islamic art.

​Recordings & Participant Resources

​Sessions will be recorded and made available to registered attendees.

​Participants will also receive supporting resources throughout the program, including templates, preparation instructions, and short instructional content where applicable.

​Materials

​Participants will provide their own art materials.

​The supplies to be used are inexpensive, accessible, and may already be available at home. The estimated total material cost is approximately $10–$15 per participant.

​Materials may include:

​Paper and cardstock · pencils · eraser · ruler · compass · markers · colouring pencils · notebook · canvas · acrylic paints · paintbrushes

​Templates, preparation instructions, and session-specific material lists will be shared with registered participants in advance.

​Come As You Are

​You do not need to consider yourself an artist.

​You do not need to know Arabic calligraphy.

​You do not need to create something “perfect.”

​Simply come ready to slow down, reflect, create, and explore what can emerge when art is approached with presence and intention.

​$100 · 4 Weeks · 8 Live Hours · Limited to 40 Participants

​We're looking forward to having you with us :)

Last day to register is October 2nd!

​FAQs

​What if I miss a week?
- You will have access to the recordings of each class and will be able to apply the principles on your own time InshaAllah.

Do I have to turn my camera on?
- No, cameras are not required. However, we encourage participants to turn them on when comfortable, as it can help create a more connected and engaging experience with the facilitator and fellow participants.

Can I claim this on my benefits?
- This art therapy program is offered as a group educational and experiential program and is not eligible to be claimed through insurance or extended health benefits.

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​Please note: This program is an art therapy–informed experiential workshop series and is not a form of individual or group psychotherapy. Participation does not establish a therapist-client relationship and is not intended to replace professional mental health care. Participants are asked to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others and to share only what they feel comfortable sharing. While we aim to create a respectful and private space, confidentiality among participants cannot be guaranteed.