Welcome to the Letter Raa

Thuluth Calligraphy section of the Letter Animation Studio

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

Anatomy of the Letter Raa (Shape 2)

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

Shape 1   Shape 2   Shape 3

Full Animation of Raa

The Raa (ر) in Shape 2 is a refined and flowing variant that emphasizes smooth transitions and balanced proportions. Its graceful design captures the elegance of Thuluth calligraphy, making it a favorite for compositions requiring subtlety and harmony. This guide breaks the letter into four key strokes to help you master its unique form.

1.First Stroke

Start the letter at a 70° angle for a dynamic and flowing entry.

Create a stroke that is 3 nuqtas in height and 1 nuqta in width, forming the initial vertical curve.

2.Secend Stroke

Adjust the pen to a 70° angle for the second stroke.

Extend it to a height of 3 1/2 nuqtas, rising 2 nuqtas above the baseline, to craft the upward curve.

3.Third Stroke

Maintain the 90° angle for the next stroke.

Draw a smaller vertical segment, 2 1/2 nuqtas in height and 1 nuqta in width, connecting seamlessly with the second stroke.

4.Fourth Stroke

Finish the Raa with its defining head.

This stroke is 1 nuqta in height and 1 nuqta in width, placed to balance and complete the letter.

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.