Islam through calligraphy

“Read” was the first word of God’s divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. Beautiful writing — calligraphy — celebrates the sounds and meanings of the sacred Quran and preserves its accuracy, says artist Mohamed Zakariya. He will be the guest speaker Jan. 18 for “Sundays at the Center,” 3-5 p.m., at the Lorna Sundberg International Center. Zakariya, who has a calligraphy business in Arlington will demonstrate and explain the value of this art form in the Muslim tradition. He has had exhibits around the country and designed the 2001 U.S. Postal Stamp “Eid Greetings,” the first one to commemorate a Muslim holiday. Info.: www.virginia.edu/iso/ic/sundays.html.