Harakat (singular: harakah) are the small marks written above or below Arabic letters. They tell you which short vowel to read: “a”, “i” or “u”. Other marks show no vowel, a doubled letter, or an “n” ending.
The three short vowels
The letter stays the same. Only the mark changes the sound, which is why a learner who knows the letters can read much more once the marks are clear.
Other marks you will meet
- Sukoon
- A small circle above a letter. It means no vowel after that letter, as in دَرْس (dars).
- Shaddah
- A small “w” shape above a letter. It means the letter is doubled, as in رَبَّ (rabba).
- Tanween
- Doubled marks at the end of a word, giving an “an”, “in” or “un” sound.
A simple way to practise
- Pick one letterSay it with each of the three vowels: ba, bi, bu.
- Change the letterRepeat with another letter, keeping the same three sounds.
- Read a short wordJoin two letters and say the sounds in order.
- Check with a teacherAsk your teacher to listen, because small vowel differences are hard to hear in your own voice.
Pronunciation of some letters needs a teacher to hear it. This guide explains the marks, not the exact sound of every letter.
Questions people ask
How do people read Arabic without harakat?
Fluent readers of Arabic use the word and its context to supply the vowels. Learners of the Quran use the marks, which is why printed copies of the Quran include them.
What is harakat called in English?
Usually “short vowel marks” or “diacritics”.
This is a learning guide, not a religious ruling. For rulings, ask a qualified teacher or scholar.