How Many Letters in the Arabic Alphabet? Full Guide for Learners

Have you ever wondered about the foundational building blocks of a language that holds immense spiritual weight for over a billion people? Specifically, for any Muslim yearning to read the Qur’an as it was originally revealed, a primary question quickly emerges: how many letters in the Arabic alphabet? This isn’t just a matter of curious inquiry; it’s the opening chapter of a sacred expedition into grasping the very words of Allah ﷻ, precisely as they were communicated to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Join us in this exhaustive guide as we intricately examine the Arabic letters, learn how they are utilized, uncover their spiritual depths, and provide practical techniques for mastering their memorization.

How Many Letters in the Arabic Alphabet and What Are They?

So, how many letters in the Arabic alphabet? The Arabic alphabet has 28 basic letters. Each letter helps you understand more about the Arabic language and the Qur’an. These letters are written from right to left, and they are all consonants—there are no vowels like in English. Instead, short vowels are shown with small marks called harakat (Tashkeel). These marks are written above or under the letter. There are main three marks: fatha (ــَ), kasra (ــِ) and damma (ــُ).

Here is a list of the 28 Arabic letters in their isolated form:

• أ (Alif)
• ب (Baa)
• ت (Taa)
• ث (Thaa)
• ج (Jeem)
• ح (Haa)
• خ (Khaa)
• د (Dal)
• ذ (Dhal)
• ر (Raa)
• ز (Zay)
• س (Seen)
• ش (Sheen)
• ص (Saad)
• ض (Daad)
• ط (Taa)
• ظ (Zaa)
• ع (Ayn)
• غ (Ghayn)
• ف (Faa)
• ق (Qaf)
• ك (Kaf)
• ل (Lam)
• م (Meem)
• ن (Noon)
• هـ (Haa)
• و (Waw)
• ي (Yaa)

Knowing how many letters in the Arabic alphabet is your first step to become fluent and to read the Qur’an directly. These letters are the base of millions of Arabic words, including the wonderful verses we say during prayer.

If you wonder: How do you know how to pronounce the letters with diacritical marks (Tashkeel)? You need to listen to someone pronouncing them, as writing alone won’t be effective. So, start now by exploring a study plan for learning the Arabic letters through a free consultation session with Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs from Egypt.

Arabic Letter Forms: Isolated, Initial, Medial, and Final

Unlike English, Arabic letters change their shape based on their position in a word. At first, this might feel a bit difficult, but after some practice, it becomes easy and feels natural.

There are four basic forms for most Arabic letters:

1.Isolated – When the letter stands alone

2.Initial – When the letter comes at the beginning of a word

3.Medial – When the letter is in the middle

4.Final – When the letter is at the end

 

For example, the letter ب (Ba) appears as:

• Isolated: ب
• Initial: بــ
• Medial: ــبــ
• Final: ــب

This dynamic form of writing makes the Arabic script look even more beautiful and helps read and write more smoothly. It’s an extra step in learning after you know how many letters in the Arabic alphabet.

Unique Sounds of Arabic Letters Explained

One of the most interesting things about the Arabic alphabet is the special sounds it has. Some of these sounds are not found in English or other languages from Europe, which makes Arabic very special and full of unique features. For instance:

• ع (Ayn) is a deep throat sound that doesn’t exist in English. It requires practice and listening.
• ق (Qaf) is pronounced from the back of the throat—again, unfamiliar to many Western tongues.
• غ (Ghayn) sounds like a French “R”, but deeper and more guttural.
• ح (Haa) is a soft breathy “H”, different from the hard ه (Ha) in English “hat.”

Learning how many letters in the Arabic alphabet is just the start— you also need to practice how to say each letter properly with your mouth and ears. This is very important when reading the Qur’an with correct pronunciation (tajweed), because even a small change in how you say a letter can change what the word means.

Why the Arabic Alphabet Is Essential for Reading Qur’an

When we learn how many letters in the Arabic alphabet, we’re not just memorizing for knowledge—we are preparing ourselves for a spiritual reward. The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. Allah ﷻ chose this language for His final message, and every sound, letter, and word carries divine wisdom. When we recite الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ, each letter we pronounce brings reward. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will have a reward, and that reward will be multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Meem is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Meem is a letter.”
(Hadith – Tirmidhi)

Tips for Memorizing the Arabic Letters Quickly

We may ask how many letters in the Arabic alphabet, but what truly matters here is not the number — it’s the shape and the sound of each letter.Learning the Arabic alphabet might feel really challenging, especially if you’re new to a script that’s not Latin-based. But if you’re serious and keep practicing regularly, it can become easier and even fun to learn. Here are some tips to help:

Break It Down: Instead of trying to learn all 28 letters at once, split them into smaller groups of 5 to 7. You’ll find that each group has some common features. 

Use Flashcards: Create or download flashcards for the Arabic alphabet that show the letter, its name, and how it sounds. 

Practice Daily: Even a short daily session of 10 to 15 minutes can help you remember the shapes and sounds better. 

Listen and Repeat: Watch videos on YouTube or use apps to hear how native speakers pronounce the letters. Repeat along with them until your pronunciation gets better. 

Write the Letters: Writing each letter again and again helps your brain and hands remember how to form them. 

Use Mnemonics: Link each letter to a word or picture that makes it easier for you to remember.

Learn with Intention: Make dua (supplication) for ease in learning, and ةake your intention in learning the Arabic letters that it is a means of worship, so you can read the Qur’an. In that case, you won’t only be rewarded for reciting the Qur’an, but also for every minute you spend learning Arabic.

Arabic Calligraphy: Beauty in Every Letter

The Arabic script is not just used for writing; it’s also seen as a form of divine art. For a long time, Arabic calligraphy has been admired and used to decorate mosques, books, and even homes. It shows both beauty and religious feeling, and every Muslim feels a deep respect when they see the words “الله” or “محمد ﷺ” written in graceful, artistic style. 

The first thing to learn Arabic is to know how many letters in the Arabic Alphabet, the shape of every letter and also the voice. As you get to know each letter, you start to understand how calligraphers combine them into beautiful, balanced designs that show the wonderful message of Islam.

You can join Master Fusha Arabic to Learn It with Native Arabs in 24 Hours. It is a perfect fit for those who are looking to master the classical form of Fusha Arabic with native Arabs from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. Your kids also can start today! Just Join Little Azhary | Arabic, FarduAin, and Quran classes for kids.

Conclusion

Now, we know the answer to  “how many letters in the Arabic alphabet?” It is 28! —each one deeply meaningful, beautifully designed, and spiritually powerful. As Muslims, learning the Arabic letters is more than just a school subject. It’s a special journey that helps us connect directly with the words of Allah ﷻ and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

Every believer should try to learn, recognize, and say these letters—not just to understand the language, but to truly experience the beauty of the Qur’an in its original form. Whether you’re starting now or coming back to the alphabet after a long time, it’s always possible to begin.

Just starting or revisiting the alphabet after years, it’s never too late. We offer you a gift to help you start learning the Arabic language — a free consultation is waiting for you.

FAQs

How many letters in the Arabic alphabet?
There are 28 letters in the Arabic alphabet.

Are vowels included in the Arabic alphabet?
No. Arabic uses diacritical marks (harakat) for vowels, not separate letters.

Is Arabic difficult to learn for non-native speakers?
It can be challenging, but with dedication, sincerity, and the right resources, many non-Arab Muslims learn it successfully.

Can I learn Arabic just to read the Qur’an?
Absolutely. Many Muslims learn only Qur’anic Arabic to better understand the Book of Allah.