Lesson 15: Letter Meem (Shape 2)
Letter Meem (Shape 2)
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Meem in its second form using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Meem Shape 2 is characterized by strong vertical foundations combined with a wide flowing body stroke. This form trains the student to control vertical alignment, spacing between structural strokes, and long curved motion in a single composition. Practicing this shape strengthens precision, rhythm, and proportional accuracy—essential skills for advanced Thuluth writing.
Letter Data
- Letter: Meem
- Script: Thuluth
- Shape: 2
- Total strokes: 4
- Pen angle: 70°–90°
- Total length: Based on nuqta measurements
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Downward vertical
- length: 1.5 nuqtas (height)
- width: 1 nuqta
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw a short vertical stroke to establish the first structural base of the Meem.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Downward vertical
- length: 1.5 nuqtas (height)
- width: 2 nuqtas
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a second vertical stroke beside the first to strengthen the foundation and create visual balance.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Curved forward and downward
- length: 6 nuqtas (width)
- height: 4.5 nuqtas
- pressure: Medium and controlled
- description: Draw a long curved stroke to form the main body of the Meem, connecting smoothly to the vertical foundations.
Stroke 4:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Downward vertical
- length: 3.5 nuqtas (height)
- width: 1 nuqta
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Draw the final vertical stroke to refine the structure and close the letter with clarity and precision.
- First vertical foundation
- Second vertical foundation
- Main curved body stroke
- Final vertical finishing stroke
- Unequal height between the two foundation strokes
- Excessive spacing between strokes 1 and 2
- Body curve too flat or too steep
- Weak connection between stroke 3 and foundations
- Final stroke too thick or misaligned
Practice strokes 1 and 2 repeatedly as a pair before adding the curved body stroke. Perfect vertical alignment early to avoid imbalance in the final form.
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. |
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