How many letters are in the Arabic alphabet?

28 (hamza is sometimes counted separately).

A small diagonal stroke above a letter that gives a short “a” sound, as in بَ (ba).

A small diagonal stroke below a letter that gives a short “i” sound, as in بِ (bi).

A small waw-shaped mark above a letter that gives a short “u” sound, as in بُ (bu).

What does a sukun show?

That the letter has no vowel and joins the vowel before it, as in مِنْ (min).

It doubles the letter, as in رَبِّ (rabbi).

A doubled vowel mark that adds an “n” sound at the end of a word: -an, -in or -un.

Alif (ا), waw (و) and ya (ي), when they follow their matching short vowel.

A step-by-step primer that teaches the letters, vowels and joining rules needed to read the Quran.

Practice flashcards

Ten questions on the Arabic letters and vowel marks every beginner learns before reading the Quran.

Spend 30-minute with Mufti Muhammad Areeb, get an honest assessment of your level and leave with a clear plan, whether or not you join.