Lesson 17: Letter Haa (Shape 1)
Letter Haa (Shape 1)
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Haa in its first form using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Haa is a flowing and rounded letter that represents harmony and softness in Arabic calligraphy. Its structure relies on smooth diagonal curves combined with a stable foundation and a refined head stroke. Practicing this letter helps students master curved motion, layered stroke building, and proportional balance, which are essential for elegant Thuluth writing.
Letter Data
- Letter: Haa
- Script: Thuluth
- Shape: 1
- Total strokes: 5
- Pen angle: 70°–90°
- Total length: Based on nuqta measurements
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Downward vertical
- length: 3.25 nuqtas (height)
- width: 2 nuqtas
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw a vertical stroke to establish the foundation and base structure of the Haa.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Diagonal curved downward
- length: 3 nuqtas (width)
- height: 2.25 nuqtas
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a diagonal curved stroke to begin shaping the upper curve of the letter.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Diagonal curved continuation
- length: 2 nuqtas (width)
- height: 2 nuqtas
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a second diagonal stroke to extend and smooth the inner curve of the Haa.
Stroke 4:
- angle: 75°
- direction: Diagonal wide curve
- length: 4 nuqtas (width)
- height: 2.25 nuqtas
- pressure: Medium and controlled
- description: Draw a wider curved stroke to form the outer rounded body of the letter.
Stroke 5:
- angle: Natural
- direction: Small curved head stroke
- length: 1 nuqta
- height: 1 nuqta
- pressure: Light
- description: Draw the defining head stroke to complete the Haa and give the letter its final refined appearance.
- Vertical foundation stroke
- First diagonal curve stroke
- Second diagonal connector stroke
- Outer curve stroke
- Head stroke
- Foundation stroke too short or tilted
- Curves too sharp instead of smooth
- Gaps between diagonal strokes
- Outer curve too wide or too narrow
- Head stroke too large or misplaced
Practice strokes 2, 3, and 4 together to achieve a continuous rounded curve before adding the foundation and head strokes.
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 explains the structure of Haa and how to form its open and curved shapes correctly.
There are no comments for now.
to be the first to leave a comment.