Who is Shafiq-Uz-Zaman_Khan – the artist behind the calligraphy at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah

Shafiq Uz Zaman Khan is a famous calligraphy artist also referred to as the Al Haram Calligrapher in Saudi Arabia. The lifelong passion for calligraphy that sparked in his childhood led to one of the holiest and largest mosques in the world. Having Pakistani origins born in Rawalpindi and raised in Karachi, the 68 year old fine artist discovered his love for calligraphy while painting sign boards for shops around Pakistan’s Islamabad to make ends meet.

In 1979 he met a Saudi businessman in Karachi and changed his life forever. The businessman was captivated by Khan’s artistry and invited him to work at his company in Riyadh. He worked in advertising and led to an even greater opportunity with a job in Madinah. He also won a competition to restore art from the Ottoman Era, making him move to Madinah.

Khan’s journey peaked when Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz al Sudais, President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques honoured him for his brilliance and exceptional contributions and mastery in the art of calligraphy. Three of his paintings hang in Al Rawdah Al Sharifa each crafted with pure 24 carat gold.