Lesson 3: Letter Jeem (Shape 1)
Letter Jeem (Shape 1)
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Jeem in the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Jeem is a rich and expressive letter that helps students practice curved structures, horizontal balance, and controlled transitions between strokes. In Thuluth, this letter is composed of multiple parts that work together to form its distinctive body and tail.
Learning Jeem will strengthen your ability to manage complex curves, letter width, and vertical balance, which are essential skills for many advanced letters.
Letter Data
- Letter: Jeem
- Script: Thuluth
- Form: Shape 1
- Total strokes: 6
- Pen angle: 80°–90°
- Total length: Based on stroke measurements (nuqta system)
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Short diagonal / vertical curve
- length: 2 nuqta
- height: 2 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw the first small opening stroke to begin forming the upper structure of the letter.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Horizontal to the right
- length: 5 nuqta
- height: Minimal
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw a horizontal stroke that extends the body of the letter and establishes its width.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 80°
- direction: Curved downward and inward
- length: 4 nuqta
- height: 4.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw the large curved stroke that forms the main bowl of the letter.
Stroke 4:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Short vertical curve
- length: 1.5 nuqta
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Add a supporting inner stroke to strengthen the structure of the bowl.
Stroke 5:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Curved downward
- length: 3 nuqta
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a rounded lower stroke to complete the body mass.
Stroke 6:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Curved tail to the left
- length: 4 nuqta
- height: 2 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw the final stroke to form the tail of the letter and complete its shape.
- Upper opening stroke
- Horizontal body stroke
- Main curved body
- Inner support stroke
- Lower body stroke
- Tail stroke
- Making the bowl too narrow or too wide
- Sharp angles instead of smooth curves
- Uneven spacing between strokes
- Weak tail formation
- Changing pen angle during curves
Practice the main curved body stroke (Stroke 3) separately several times before combining all 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 introduces the curved structure of the letter Jeem. Students will learn how to form its main bowl shape and tail using balanced strokes and consistent pen angle.
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