The Alif

The alif is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, serving as both a consonant and a vowel marker. It often appears at the beginning of words and can indicate a pause or a long "a" sound when used as a vowel. Structurally, it’s a simple vertical stroke, and in writing, it can connect with other letters, helping shape word patterns. In addition to its role as a letter, alif holds symbolic significance in Islamic calligraphy and religious texts, representing unity and the beginning of creation.