Lesson 1: Letter Alef
Letter Alef
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Alef (ا) using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Although Alef looks simple, in Thuluth it is formed using three carefully measured strokes. Learning these parts helps you control pen angle, stroke direction, letter height, and smooth transitions between strokes.
Mastering Alef will strengthen your ability to write tall letters and prepare you for many other letters that share similar vertical structures.
Letter Data
- Letter: Alef
- Script: Thuluth
- Total strokes: 3
- Pen angle: 60°–75°
- Total length: 7 nuqta
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 60°–75°
- direction: Short diagonal downward
- length: 3 nuqta
- height: Upper section
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Draw the first short slanted stroke to form the head of the Alef.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 55°
- direction: Long downward vertical
- length: 4 nuqta
- height: Main letter body
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw the long vertical stroke that forms the main body of the letter. Keep thickness consistent and the line straight.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 60°–75°
- direction: Short diagonal
- length: 1 1/2 - 2 nuqta
- height: Top section
- pressure: Light
- description: Draw the final short stroke to complete the head shape of the letter.
- Draw the head opening stroke
- Draw the main vertical body
- Complete the head stroke
- Making the main body too short or too tall
- Changing pen angle during the vertical stroke
- Uneven thickness
- Head strokes too large or too small
Practice each stroke separately first, then combine all three strokes to form the full letter.
Structured Practice 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.
| 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. |
This lesson teaches beginners how to write the Arabic letter Alef in Thuluth calligraphy using the correct stroke, pen angle, and proportions.
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