qalam

Qalam (Arabic قلم) is the Arabic word for pen or stylus. It denotes any instrument used for writing with ink, and, in historical contexts, specifically refers to the reed pen used in Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman calligraphy.

A qalam is typically a hollow reed cut to a nib that can produce broad and fine strokes depending on angle and pressure. Calligraphers trim and shape the tip to suit different scripts, such as Kufic, Naskh, or Thuluth. The craft emphasizes ink quality, paper, and the skillful handling of the nib and pressure.

In Islamic tradition, al-qalam, the Pen, is a symbolic emblem of knowledge and writing. The Qur'an mentions the Pen, and some classical narratives describe the Pen as having written what would occur, serving as a metaphor for divine knowledge and destiny.

In modern usage, qalam remains the general term for pens and for tools used in handwriting and calligraphy. It also appears in the names of educational programs, art projects, and publications related to Arabic script and Islamic arts, reflecting both its practical and symbolic roles.