In a nutshell, Arabic harakat and tashkeel are like the secret sauce for unlocking the beauty of the language. These tiny vowel marks and diacritical symbols not only guide pronunciation but can also transform meanings—turning “عَلِمَ” (he knew) into “عُلِمَ” (it was known) with just a flick of a mark. At Kalimah Center, we turn these essential elements into a fun adventure, ensuring you read and speak Arabic with confidence and clarity!
If you’re beginning your journey into Arabic, you’ve likely noticed the little symbols above and below the letters. These are known as harakat (حركات) or tashkeel (تشكيل), and they are crucial to understanding and speaking Arabic correctly. But what exactly are harakat, tashkeel, and diacritics? Are they the same thing? And why do they matter so much when learning Arabic?
I will break down these important aspects of the Arabic language. As a native Arabic speaker, I can tell you that harakat and tashkeel are the heart of reading Arabic fluently.
We will also explore insights from Ustadh Hamada Muhammad, the head of the Arabic teaching department at Kalimah Center, to give you the best tips for mastering these elements.
What are Harakat, Tashkeel, and Diacritics in Arabic?
In Arabic, harakat (حركات) are small vowel marks that change the pronunciation of letters. At the same time, tashkeel (تشكيل) refers to the system of symbols used to represent short vowels, the absence of a vowel, or a doubling of a consonant. The term diacritics is often used to refer to both harakat and tashkeel in a more general sense. But are they all the same? Let’s take a closer look.
The Difference Between Arabic Harakat, Tashkeel, and Diacritics
Many people use the terms harakat, tashkeel, and diacritics as if they are the same. But let me explain the slight difference.
In simple terms, harakat are a part of tashkeel, and both are types of diacritics. So yes, they are unique but also related.
What are Harakat in Arabic?
Harakat (حركات) in Arabic are vowel markings or symbols that help you pronounce words correctly. Unlike in English, where vowels are part of the alphabet (A, E, I, O, U), in Arabic, the vowels are represented by small symbols placed above or below the letters.
There are three main harakat:
- Fatha (فَتْحَة) – a small line above the letter, creating the “a” sound.
Example: فَ (fa) with fatha = fa. - Kasra (كَسْرَة) – a small line below the letter, creating the “i” sound.
Example: فِ (fi) with kasra = fi. - Damma (ضَمَّة) – a small loop above the letter, creating the “u” sound.
Example: فُ (fu) with damma = fu.
* From Kalimah’s Iqraa book, the key resource we use in our online Arabic course.
Now, let’s train your ear with this audio, which will help you practice the letters with the fatha, damma, and kasra.
Listen and watch the Arabic alphabet Song from here.
What Is Arabic Tashkeel?
Tashkeel (تشكيل) refers to the system of diacritical marks in Arabic, which include not just the harakat but also other marks that clarify pronunciation. Tashkeel helps readers know how to pronounce words, especially in classical texts like the Quran, where meanings change without proper tashkeel.
The most common tashkeel marks include:
- Sukun (سُكُون) – a small circle placed above a letter, indicating the absence of a vowel.
Example: مْ (m) – “m”. - Shadda (شَدَّة) – a small “w” shape placed above a letter, indicating that the letter is doubled or emphasized.
Example: مّ (mm) – “mm”.
* From Kalimah’s Iqraa book that is used in our online Arabic course.
What are Diacritics in Arabic?
In general, diacritics refer to any marks placed on or around letters to indicate pronunciation, not just in Arabic but in other languages too. In Arabic, diacritics include both harakat and tashkeel.
Arabic Diacritics: Are They Unique?
While harakat and tashkeel are specific to Arabic, diacritics (the general term for these symbols) are not unique to Arabic. Many languages, including French and Spanish, use diacritics to indicate different sounds. However, in Arabic, diacritics are far more critical because, without them, the meaning of a word can completely change.
For example:
- عَلِمَ (alima) – means “he knew.”
- عُلِمَ (ulima) – means “it was known.”
This is why diacritics in Arabic are essential, especially for beginners.
Why Are Arabic Diacritics Important?
Imagine you are reading a book in English with all the vowels removed. Could you understand it? Probably not. The same goes for Arabic. Arabic diacritics give clarity to the words and make it possible for beginners to pronounce them correctly. Without them, reading Arabic becomes much harder, especially for non-native speakers.
Here’s an example of the importance of diacritics:
- كتب
Without diacritics, this word can be read in many ways: kataba (he wrote), kutiba (it was written), or Kutub (books). - كَتَبَ (kataba) – He wrote
- كُتِبَ (kutiba) – It was written
- كُتُب (Kutub) – Books
As you can see, the harakat completely change the word’s meaning. Without diacritics, even advanced learners can misunderstand a sentence, especially if they are still practicing.
Learning to read Arabic with harakat gives you a solid foundation in the language.
This is why we, at Kalimah Center, stress the importance of harakat from the very beginning. In our courses, we focus on building a solid foundation in understanding and using tashkeel and harakat through exercises and structured lessons, particularly in the Iqraa book. This book has been carefully chosen as it emphasizes harakat practice.
For example, this is an exercise from the Iqraa book to help students trace the 3 harakat in words while pronouncing it.
Join us for a FREE trial class and see if Kalimah is the right fit for you.
Arabic Vowel and Consonant Diacritics
In Arabic, both vowels and consonants can have diacritics.
- Arabic vowel diacritics include the fatha (َ), kasra (ِ), and damma (ُ). These diacritics tell you how to pronounce the vowels in a word.
- Arabic consonant diacritics include the sukun (ْ), which shows that there is no vowel on a letter, and the shadda (ّ), which indicates the doubling of a letter.
Understanding Arabic harakat rules can help you navigate complex texts and improve your pronunciation.
How to Read Arabic With Harakat?
To read Arabic with Harakat, it’s important to know where each mark goes and how it affects the pronunciation of the letter. At Kalimah Center, we teach students step-by-step how to read Arabic using Harakat. We start by focusing on each letter of the Arabic alphabet and showing where the Harakat should be placed.
Arabic Alphabet Letters with Harakat
Learning the Arabic alphabet with harakat is the first step to becoming fluent. As Ustadh Hamada Muhammad, one of our expert native Arabic teachers and the supervisor of the Arabic for Adults department at Kalimah, suggests,
“Students should start by focusing on the three aspects of each letter: its name, its sound, and its shape.”
Hamada’s Expert Advice:
- Step 1: Names
Write the names of the letters in large letters, both in Arabic and in your native language. For example, ألف (Alif), باء (Baa), تاء (Taa). - Step 2: Shapes
Practice writing each letter in its different forms: isolated, at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of words. - Step 3: Sounds
Start with the fatha, the easiest harakat, and practice pronouncing the letters with it. For example, بَ (ba), تَ (ta). This will help reinforce the letter’s shape and sound.
How to Read Arabic Without Harakat?
Once you master reading Arabic with harakat, you will gradually move to texts without them. Native speakers often read without harakat because they know the words by context and familiarity. However, for beginners, reading without harakat can be challenging.
This is why starting with harakat is crucial for non-native speakers.
Over time, with practice, you will start recognizing words without needing the harakat. This is how native speakers and advanced learners read. It’s important to practice both, but always start with harakat as they are your training wheels.
What is Harakat in Tajweed?
In tajweed, the rules of pronunciation are precise. The harakat play a significant role here because they ensure every vowel and letter is pronounced correctly. For example, a small mistake in the fatha (َ) or damma (ُ) can change the meaning of a Quranic verse.
Example:
In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 127,
“وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ”
Consider the phrase “وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ” (wa-ʾIsmāʿīlu) from Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 127. The word “ʾIsmāʿīlu” (Ishmael) concludes with a damma ( ُ ), indicating a nominative case. This grammatical marking signifies that Ishmael is the subject of the sentence, actively participating alongside Prophet Abraham in raising the foundations of the House (the Kaaba).
However, if the damma were mistakenly replaced with a fatha ( َ ), the word would become “إسماعيلَ” “ʾIsmāʿīla,” shifting its grammatical case to accusative. This alteration drastically changes the meaning, implying that Ismael is the object of the verb “raising,” suggesting that Abraham is raising both the foundations and Ismael himself.
This is why learning tajweed with harakat is essential for proper recitation.
If you’re looking to perfect your pronunciation and build a strong foundation in Tajweed, consider our Online Quran & Tajweed Learning Courses. Our Noorani Qaida level is the perfect starting point, guiding you through the precise articulation of Arabic letters with the harakat, setting the stage for flawless Tajweed and beautiful Quran recitation.
Try a FREE trial class.
Who Put Harakat in the Quran?
Abu al-Aswad al-Du’ali was the first to introduce diacritical marks (including harakat) in the Quran. However, his system was primarily for pronunciation and grammatical guidance. The system of diacritical marks we see in the Quran today, including the specific shapes for harakat (fatha, kasra, damma) and dots for letter differentiation, was developed by al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi.
So, while Abu al-Aswad al-Du’ali pioneered the use of diacritical marks, al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi refined and standardized the system, including the harakat, that we use today.
Want to truly master Arabic harakat, tashkeel, and diacritics?
Reading about it is a great start, but at Kalimah Center, we’ll help you put that knowledge into action!
Through structured Arabic courses and the expert guidance of teachers like Hamada, you will be able to read, write, and speak Arabic with confidence.
At Kalimah Center, students in the first two levels of our Arabic courses are trained in recognizing the different shapes of letters and practicing them with harakat.
Our online Arabic courses will help you:
- Read and write Arabic with confidence.
- Understand how harakat change word meanings.
- Speak Arabic with correct pronunciation.
Our courses:
- Learn Arabic Online For adults. Talk Arabic easy!
- Learn Arabic for Kids: Fun way for kids to learn.
- Learn Quran & Tajweed Online: Read Quran right. Understand it better!
Join us for a FREE trial class today! You’ll see how Kalimah Center can help you learn Arabic with harakat and tashkeel quickly and easily.
Conclusion:
Arabic harakat (حركات) and tashkeel (تشكيل) are essential for mastering pronunciation and reading fluency in the language. Harakat are vowel marks that indicate how to pronounce letters, while tashkeel encompasses these vowel marks along with other diacritics that clarify pronunciation.
For instance, the three main harakat—fatha, kasra, and damma—help convey the sounds “a,” “i,” and “u,” respectively. Diacritics are crucial in Arabic, as they can completely alter the meaning of words, highlighting their importance for learners, especially beginners.
Diacritics not only aid in pronunciation but are also vital for understanding classical texts like the Quran, where precise pronunciation affects meaning. For example, a single diacritic can change “عَلِمَ” (alima—he knew) to “عُلِمَ” (ulima—it was known), illustrating the potential for misunderstanding without proper markings.
At Kalimah Center, courses are designed to help students build a strong foundation in these elements through structured lessons and practical exercises, ensuring they read, write, and speak Arabic with confidence.
