Cornwall celebrates Islamic History Month through calligraphy and art

Cornwall's Muslim community celebrated Islamic History Month with an event focused on calligraphy and art at the Cornwall Public Library on Sunday, the Standard-Freeholder reported on October 19.

The community has marked the month locally for four years. Organizer Haleema Chaudhry said the event aimed to highlight Muslim civilization's contributions in fields including science and art. This year's theme was Calligraphy: A Living Legacy of Faith, Art, and Expression.

Local authors, artists and calligraphers displayed their work and joined a panel discussion with the audience. Yusuf Vakily opened the event with Qur'an recitation and later delivered the keynote address.

Among the artists was 16-year-old calligrapher Hafsa Chaudhry, who has run a calligraphy business for five years. She said she began by looking for work that combined her traditions with art people could display in their homes.

Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale read a council proclamation declaring October Islamic History Month in the city. The audience included city councillors and municipal election candidates; organizer Osama Chaudhry said the gathering helped strengthen community ties.