Vowel Marks (Harakat) Guide

Meanings and pronunciation of Arabic vowel marks (fatha, kasra, damma, sukun, shadda, tanween).

What are Vowel Marks?

Vowel marks (harakat) are symbols placed above or below Arabic letters. They determine which vowel sound accompanies the consonant. Reading Arabic without vowel marks is very difficult.

Fatha (Ustun)

A small diagonal stroke above the letter (َ). It gives the letter an 'a' sound. Example: بَ = 'ba'

Kasra (Esre)

A small diagonal stroke below the letter (ِ). It gives the letter an 'i' sound. Example: بِ = 'bi'

Damma (Otre)

A small waw-shaped mark above the letter (ُ). It gives the letter a 'u' sound. Example: بُ = 'bu'

Sukun

A small circle above the letter (ْ). It indicates the letter is pronounced without any vowel — just its consonant sound.

Shadda

A w-shaped mark above the letter (ّ). It indicates the letter is doubled — pronounced first with sukun, then with its vowel mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

chevron_right What is a vowel mark (haraka)?

A vowel mark (haraka) is a symbol placed above or below an Arabic letter that determines which vowel sound it produces. The three basic vowel marks are fatha (a), kasra (i), and damma (u).

chevron_right How many types of vowel marks are there?

There are 3 basic vowel marks (fatha, kasra, damma), 2 additional marks (sukun, shadda), and 3 types of tanween (double vowels), making 8 fundamental diacritical marks in total.

chevron_right Can Arabic be read without vowel marks?

Reading Arabic without vowel marks is an advanced skill that requires knowledge of Arabic grammar. Quran texts are always written with full vowel marks to ensure correct pronunciation.

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