Welcome to the Letter Ayn

Thuluth Calligraphy section of the Letter Animation Studio

On this page, you will find a detailed breakdown of the Ayn's structure, its individual parts, and the precise technique required to craft it in the Thuluth style.

All Alef Baa Jeem Daal Raa Seen Saad Taa Ayn Qaaf Faa Kaaf Laam Meem Noon Haa Waw Yaa La​

Anatomy of the Letter Ayn (Shape 1)

The letter Ayn in Thuluth consists of the following key parts:

Shape 1   Shape 2

Full Animation of Ayn

The Ayn (ع) in Shape 1 is a graceful and dynamic letter, reflecting the intricate balance and flowing elegance of Arabic calligraphy. Composed of six distinct strokes, each element of this letter contributes to its unique character and visual harmony. Below is a detailed guide to the strokes that form this remarkable letter in the Thuluth script.

1.First Stroke

Begin at a 70° angle, establishing a strong and symmetrical foundation.

The stroke measures 2 nuqtas in width and 2 nuqtas in height, forming the letter’s initial vertical curve.

2.Second Stroke

Shift to a 75° angle for the second stroke, adding a gentle diagonal motion.

This stroke measures 2 1/2 nuqtas in width and 1 nuqta in height, introducing flow and connecting to the next stroke.

3.Third Stroke

Return to a 75° angle for a bold and elongated stroke.

This segment is 3 nuqtas in width and 4 nuqtas in height, creating the central body of the Ayn.

4.Fourth Stroke

Maintain the 90° angle for a slightly shorter stroke.

With dimensions of 1 1/2 nuqtas in width and 3 nuqtas in height, this stroke begins to round out the lower part of the letter.

5.Fifth Stroke

Continue with another 90° angle stroke to add depth to the letter.

This stroke measures 3 nuqtas in width and 3 nuqtas in height, completing the lower body of the Ayn.

6.Sixth Stroke

Finish with a long, sweeping stroke at 90°, extending to 4 nuqtas in length and 2 nuqtas in height.

This stroke forms the final flourish of the Ayn, giving it its characteristic elegance.

Guidelines for Letter Mastery

The "Guidelines for Letter Mastery" table provides a clear and systematic approach for students to practice and refine their Arabic calligraphy skills. It outlines each step, the recommended time allocation, and detailed descriptions to ensure effective and focused practice sessions. This table is designed to help students build consistency, master letter proportions, and develop a strong foundation in Arabic calligraphy.

Structured Practice Guidelines for Letter Mastery

Step Time Description
Set Aside Dedicated Practice Time 15–20 minutes per session Allocate focused time for practice. Aim for 3–4 sessions per week to build consistency and muscle memory.
Understand the Letter's Structure 2–3 minutes Review examples and stroke breakdowns. Familiarize yourself with angles, proportions, and key components.
Begin with Tracing 5–7 minutes Trace the letter on the worksheet to understand its flow and stroke angles.
Practice Freehand 10–12 minutes Draw the letter freehand using guides. Focus on clean strokes, proportions, and consistency.
Refine with Repetition 5–10 minutes Repeat the letter multiple times, aiming to improve alignment, spacing, and smoothness.
Evaluate Your Progress 2–3 minutes Compare your work to the examples on the worksheet. Identify areas for improvement.
Incorporate Feedback As needed Seek feedback from an instructor or peer and apply their suggestions in future sessions.


Personalized Feedback at UAC

At the University of Arabic Calligraphy (UAC), we are dedicated to your development as a calligrapher. We provide personalized corrections and comments on your practice worksheets to ensure you get the help you need.

Once you've finished your practice, upload it using this link: Submit Practice for Correction.

Our experienced team  will carefully analyze your entry and make thorough changes to help you improve your technique, abilities, and confidence in your calligraphy journey.

This one-of-a-kind experience assures that you are not practicing alone, but rather studying with the support and knowledge of a devoted calligraphy community. Continue your journey with us and take a step closer to learning the art of Arabic calligraphy.