Arabic calligraphy is arguably the world’s most fascinating form of written communication, dashing and cursive, redolent with tradition. But for students, even the aesthetics of the ten or more unique types of Arabic handwriting styles can be overwhelming.
Do you start with Naskh, the open and harmonious script in books and Qurans? Or is Ruq’ah, speedy and modern calligraphy, best for casual usage?
This confusion is common, and it matters more than most realize. Choosing the wrong script for your goal can slow your progress, affect your handwriting habits, and even make reading Arabic texts more difficult.
In this guide, we’ll unravel the mystery of Arabic handwriting styles, distinguishing between the scripts used for daily writing (like Ruq‘ah and Naskh) and those reserved for artistic calligraphy (like Thuluth, Diwani, and Kufic).
The Scripts for Daily Writing and Print
As you explore the different types of Arabic handwriting styles, the first question most students ask is: Where do I start?
The truth is that all the Arabic scripts are not alike. Some are for practical use in day-to-day life, and others are superior in their artistic application. For anyone learning to read and write in Arabic in a convenient manner, the most practical and first scripts are Naskh and Ruq’ah.
1. Naskh (The Universal and Modern Script)
Naskh is the most widely recognized and used modern Arabic script. It’s the script officially employed in printed material, including books, newspapers, billboards, the internet, and the majority of printed versions of the Holy Quran.
Main Features
Naskh is distinctive for its clarity, balance, and rounded lettering. Each letter has a consistent form, so words read easily, even to a novice. Even spacing and the consistent proportions make it ideal for printed Arabic and computer fonts.
Why Learn Naskh for Beginners?
For beginners, the best starting point for the Arabic language is Naskh. Its clean and well-structured layout helps beginners more easily link written Arabic to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the official language taught, used in media, and used in the Quran.
Put simply, Naskh bridges the gap between reading and writing and is consequently the most beginner-friendly version of all types of Arabic handwriting styles.
Which is the easiest Arabic script to learn for common writing?
Naskh, owing to its clean, uniform letter forms and ease of legibility in handwriting as well as print.
2. Ruq’ah (The Fast and Cursive Script)
Whereas Naskh is the queen of print, Ruq’ah is the master of day-to-day handwriting. It’s the script used for personal scribbles, speedy writing, and informal communication in most of the Arab world, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon, in particular.
Principal Characteristics:
Ruq’ah has brief, vertical uprights and plain horizontal joins. The letters are closely grouped, inclined at times, and joined sometimes for convenient writing. Dots are reduced, at times replaced with a short dash or stroke, to allow smooth flow.
How is Ruq’ah Practical
Ruq’ah is designed to be convenient and quick. It gives up part of Naskh’s ornamental beauty in the name of usability, and so it is ideal for students, working professionals, and individuals who write Arabic on a regular basis.
In comparison to other types of Arabic handwriting styles, Ruq’ah is the most efficient and quickest script. However, as being a shorthand-based script, it is not the ideal choice for official reports or published materials.
The Perfect Balance Between Naskh and Ruq’ah
If your goal is to improve your Arabic handwriting or learn to write naturally and beautifully, it’s best to start with Naskh to understand letter structure, then move to Ruq‘ah once you’re confident.
This combination ensures your handwriting remains legible while gaining the speed and smoothness needed for fluent writing.
For parents guiding their children, this is also the ideal sequence taught in the Tareequl Jannah Arabic Course, beginning with Naskh for precision and graduating to Ruq’ah for assurance and fluidity in everyday writing.
Beauty and Expertise: The Calligraphy Scripts
Once you become proficient in the utilitarian side of Arabic handwriting with Naskh and Ruq’ah, a new world of beauty, harmony, and creativity opens before you, the world of Arabic calligraphy.
Calligraphy is not writing; it is the graphic art of language, a means of piety and communication that has adorned mosques, manuscripts, and royal decrees with beauty for over a thousand years. Of all the many styles of Arabic handwritings, three are classic masterpieces of calligraphic art: Thuluth, Diwani, and Kufic.
These scripts require discipline, patience, and a vision of artistry, and the result is breathtaking, every stroke an ode to religion and language.
1. Thuluth (The Majestic King of Scripts)
Thuluth is the pinnacle of Arabic calligraphy, a script that historically has been employed in mosque inscriptions, monumental architecture, and Quranic headings. “Thuluth” refers to one-third, a point to the letter proportion and pen angle while writing.
Thuluth has sweeping lines, intricate overlaps, and large size. The letters flow into each other in harmony and rhythm to create compositions that look alive. It is one of the most challenging scripts to read because it is strictly governed by balance and proportion.
Artistic Use:
Thuluth is widely used to write sacred phrases like the Basmalah (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ). It is a badge of actual artistic and divine achievement for calligraphers.
Why It’s Important?
Of all types of Arabic handwriting styles, Thuluth is a symbol of worship, beauty, and mastery, perfect for anyone who is interested in the artistic and decorative value of Arabic writing.
2. Diwani (The Royal and Ornamental Script)
Developed in the Ottoman Empire, Diwani was used in royal proclamations, official letters, and formal invitations. Its purpose was not only beauty but also confidentiality, as its flowing curves rendered it impossible to forge or read without training.
Important Features:
Diwani is very cursive and flowery, with letters flowing well into each other and finishing rounded or oval shapes. The writing is like silk, smooth, unbroken, and hypnotic.
The Appearance and Feeling:
Diwani calligraphy embodies the style of luxury and sophistication. It is a work of art itself, ideal for generating certificates, wedding invitations, or decorative artwork pieces that convey elegance and heritage.
Why It’s Special:
For students who value aesthetics and creativity, Diwani is one of the most stunning yet challenging types of Arabic handwriting styles. It challenges your control, rhythm, and capability to blend structure with emotion.
3. Kufic (The Ancient and Geometric Script)
Kufic is the oldest Arabic script, which by name itself gives us an idea that it was originated in the city of Kufa in Iraq during the 7th century. It was the script used on the very first versions of the Quran, ages before the smoother scripts evolved.
Key Features:
As opposed to the fluid Thuluth or Diwani, Kufic is solid, stiff, and geometric. It emphasizes vertical and sharp lines, giving off an ageless architectural solidity.
Modern Relevance:
Kufic’s geometric appearance has a new home in contemporary Arabic typography and design, namely, logos, brand identities, and computer art. It balances both ancient heritage and modern taste, and both traditionalists and designers agree that it’s pleasing to the eye.
Why Learners Love It:
Of all the styles of Arabic calligraphy, Kufic is the most adaptable to be employed in modern creativity. It combines the simplicity, symmetry, and boldness, a script that looks as great on the walls of old civilizations as it does on modern screens.
The Artistic Gateway to Mastery
Learning Thuluth, Diwani, or Kufic transforms your understanding of Arabic handwriting from simple writing to artistic expression. These scripts demand patience and precision, but they reward learners with a deeper appreciation of Arabic’s cultural and spiritual beauty.
If you’re passionate about introducing yourself or your children to this beautiful art form, the Tareequl Jannah Arabic Course offers systematic lessons that nurture not just reading and writing proficiency but also an appreciation of Arabic’s artistic heritage, the next generation of calligraphers and language lovers.
Choosing the Script to Achieve Your Goal
By this time, you know that Arabic handwriting is not letters only, it’s art, a medium of communication, and a project of culture and purpose. With all the varied types of Arabic handwriting styles available, how do you choose which one to master first?
The key is to match your choice with your goal, whether it is reading the Quran easily, writing things down every day with speed, or creating beautiful calligraphy. All Arabic scripts are intended for a special purpose, and knowing that purpose will enable you to focus your learning process efficiently.
Choosing the Ideal Script for Learning Purpose
| Your Goal | Recommended Script | Why This Script Works Best |
| Learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Quranic Reading | Naskh | Its clarity, readability, and structured form make it ideal for beginners and Quranic learners. |
| Daily Note-Taking or Fast Writing | Ruq‘ah | Designed for speed and simplicity, Ruq‘ah is the go-to script for everyday use. |
| Creating Wall Art or Personal Gifts | Thuluth or Diwani | These decorative calligraphy styles offer artistic freedom and visual beauty for art and design. |
| Modern Graphic Design or Logos | Kufic | Its geometric and bold nature translates perfectly into contemporary digital design. |
How to Decide Which Script to Work On
If your goal is fluency and comprehension, start with Naskh. It’s the foundation for reading and writing Modern Standard Arabic.
If you want to build handwriting skill, proceed to Ruq’ah. Its quick, flowing type conditioning your hand for natural motion and everyday writing.
If you’re the beauty and creativity lover, immerse yourself in Thuluth or Diwani. These scripts will lead you to the artistic nature of Arabic calligraphy.
If you’re a designer or digital content producer, Kufic offers endless opportunities for mixing tradition and creativity.
Each script has a different story, and together, they tell you the whole tale of Arabic’s beauty and flexibility.
Actionable Steps for Effective Practice
Mastery of Arabic calligraphy, especially through numerous types of Arabic calligraphy styles, comes from patience, organization, and practice. Follow the most effective steps to build stable handwriting and artistic skills:
Start with Alif (ا)
Start with the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, Alif. It is a simple vertical line but is used as the foundation for understanding proportion, angles, and alignment.
Use the “Dot System”
In calligraphy, letter proportions are established in Arabic through the use of the dot, a small square formed by your pen nib. Alif, for example, tends to be seven dots tall, and other letters have certain proportions based on this unit. Practice in such a system is credited with achieving accuracy and discipline.
Trace from Master Calligraphers
Find professional Arabic calligraphy specimens and track them step by step. This makes your hand memorize the curves, angles, gaps, and bends between each letter. You can also find free resources online or purchase calligraphy practice sheets intended for accurate scripts like Naskh or Thuluth.
Establish Routine Practice Objectives
Spend 10–15 minutes every day practicing handwriting. Practice one script at a time to prevent confusion, for instance, practice Naskh for several weeks before switching to Ruq’ah or Diwani.
Best Resources for Arabic Students
Online Learning Platforms:
Tareequl Jannah Academy is a website that provides guided Arabic handwriting and language courses for all ages. Their Arabic course teaches students the art of writing in Naskh and other scripts and how to upgrade their reading and pronunciation skills.
Suitable for both children and adults, the study plan integrates practical writing skills with an introduction to aesthetic calligraphy traditions.
Books and Workbooks:
“Arabic Calligraphy: Naskh Script for Beginners” by Mustafa Ja’far
“Arabic Calligraphy Workbook” by Fayeq Oweis
“The Art of Arabic Calligraphy” by Abdelkebir Khatibi
Practice Supplies:
Art supply shops and online retailers like Amazon or JetPens typically carry Arabic calligraphy kits, reed pens, ink jars, and practice sheets designed for Arabic scripts.
Learn Arabic the Right Way
AT Tareequl Jannah Academy, Arabic is taught as both a language and an art form. Whether you’re an adult learner hoping to perfect the types of Arabic handwriting styles or a parent wishing to nurture your child’s Arabic journey, these courses provide step-by-step guidance tailored for every level.
