1
Isolated form
The letter stands alone.
ب ت م
Ba, Ta, Mim in isolated form
Beginner
How letters change in a word
Arabic letters take up to four shapes: isolated, initial, medial and final. Only 6 letters never connect to the next: ا د ذ ر ز و.
The letter stands alone.
ب ت م
Ba, Ta, Mim in isolated form
Beginning of a word — connects to the next letter.
بـ تـ مـ
The 'tail' is cut off; the letter opens forward.
Middle of a word — connects on both sides.
ـبـ ـتـ ـمـ
Compact, joined on both sides.
End of a word — the tail returns.
ـب ـت ـم
Full tail restored.
These 6 letters never join the letter after them: ا د ذ ر ز و
أَحْمَد
The alif and dal break the join.