Complete Abjad Table – Arabic Letters & Numerical Values
Explore the comprehensive Abjad table showing all 28 Arabic letters with their numerical values based on the classical Abjad hawwaz order. Learn Hisab al-Jummal, discover historical context, and master Islamic numerology calculations with our interactive guide.
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What Is the Abjad Table?
Quick Definition: The Abjad Table is a systematic arrangement of the 28 Arabic letters, each assigned a unique numerical value ranging from 1 to 1000. This alphanumeric system, also known as Hisab al-Jummal (حساب الجُمَّل) or Arabic gematria, has been used for over a millennium in Islamic scholarship, historical dating, poetry, spiritual reflection, and linguistic analysis.
The Abjad system represents one of the most fascinating intersections of language, mathematics, and culture in Islamic civilization. Unlike modern alphabetical ordering, the Abjad follows an ancient Semitic sequence that predates Islam by centuries, carrying with it layers of historical significance and traditional knowledge.
Historical Origin of the Abjad System
The Abjad system traces its roots to ancient Semitic civilizations, particularly the Phoenician alphabet (circa 1050 BCE). The term "Abjad" itself comes from the first four letters in the traditional sequence: Alif (أ), Ba (ب), Jim (ج), Dal (د) – a naming convention similar to calling the English alphabet "ABC."
During the Islamic Golden Age (8th-13th centuries CE), Muslim scholars refined and systematized the Abjad values, integrating them into various disciplines:
- Chronograms (Ta'rikh): Poets and historians encoded important dates in poetry by ensuring the Abjad value of a verse matched a year in the Islamic calendar
- Manuscript Notation: Scribes used Abjad numerals to number pages, chapters, and sections in classical texts
- Linguistic Analysis: Scholars studied letter patterns and numerical relationships in the Quran and prophetic traditions
- Ilm al-Huroof: The science of letters explored spiritual and contemplative dimensions of Arabic letters
The Abjad Hawwaz Sequence
The complete Abjad sequence is traditionally memorized useeng a mnemonic phrase: "Abjad Hawwaz Hutti Kalaman Sa'fas Qarshat Thakhadh Dadhagh" (أبجد هوز حطي كلمن سعفص قرشت ثخذ ضظغ). Each segment of this phrase represents a group of letters, making the sequence easier to remember.
Why the Abjad Table Matters Today
Understanding the Abjad table is essential for:
- Academic Research: Deciphering historical texts, manuscripts, and inscriptions that use Abjad numerals
- Cultural Literacy: Appreciating classical Arabic poetry and chronograms embedded in literature
- Islamic Studies: Understanding references to Ilm al-Huroof and numerical traditions in Islamic texts
- Calligraphy & Art: Exploring the numerical dimensions artists incorporated into Arabic calligraphy
- Personal Exploration: Discovering the traditional numerical values of names and words
Abjad Order vs Modern Arabic Alphabetical Order
One of the most common sources of confusion: the Abjad order is NOT the same as the modern alphabetical order (الترتيب الألفبائي الحديث) taught in schools today. These are two distinct systems with different purposes and historical origins.
The Two Ordering Systems Explained
📜 Traditional Abjad Order
أ ب ج د ه و ز ح ط ي ك ل م ن س ع ف ص ق ر ش ت ث خ ذ ض ظ غ
- Purpose: Numerical values and calculations
- Origin: Ancient Semitic/Phoenician alphabet
- Age: Over 3,000 years old
- Usage: Historical manuscripts, chronograms, Ilm al-Adad
- Structure: Follows historical linguistic development
🔤 Modern Alphabetical Order
أ ب ت ث ج ح خ د ذ ر ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ع غ ف ق ك ل م ن ه و ي
- Purpose: Organizing dictionaries and references
- Origin: Later standardization for practical use
- Age: Established in medieval period
- Usage: Modern education, dictionaries, filing systems
- Structure: Groups letters by similar shapes
Key Differences in Letter Positioning
| Letter | Abjad Position | Modern Position | Why Different? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ت (Ta) | 22nd | 3rd | Modern order groups ب، ت، ث by shape similarity |
| ث (Tha) | 23rd | 4th | Grouped with Ta in modern system |
| ط (Ta emphatic) | 9th | 16th | Ancient position preserved in Abjad |
| ظ (Zha) | 27th | 17th | Grouped with ط in modern system |
The modern alphabetical order was designed to make organizing written material easier by placing similarly-shaped letters together (like ب، ت، ث or ج، ح، خ). However, the Abjad order preserves the ancient historical sequence and is essential for understanding numerical values.
Complete Abjad Table – All 28 Arabic Letters
Below is the comprehensive Abjad table showing every Arabic letter with its corresponding numerical value, traditional grouping, and link to its dedicated guide page. Use the search function to quickly find any letter, then browse the visual letter cards organized by category below the table.
| Position | Arabic Letter | Name (English) | Abjad Value | Category | Detailed Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ا | Alif | 1 | Units (1–9) | Alif Complete Guide → |
| 2 | ب | Ba | 2 | Units (1–9) | Ba Complete Guide → |
| 3 | ج | Jim | 3 | Units (1–9) | Jim Complete Guide → |
| 4 | د | Dal | 4 | Units (1–9) | Dal Complete Guide → |
| 5 | ه | Ha | 5 | Units (1–9) | Ha Complete Guide → |
| 6 | و | Waw | 6 | Units (1–9) | Waw Complete Guide → |
| 7 | ز | Zay | 7 | Units (1–9) | Zay Complete Guide → |
| 8 | ح | Ḥa (Heavy) | 8 | Units (1–9) | Ḥa Complete Guide → |
| 9 | ط | Ṭa (Heavy) | 9 | Units (1–9) | Ṭa Complete Guide → |
| 10 | ي | Ya | 10 | Tens (10–90) | Ya Complete Guide → |
| 11 | ك | Kaf | 20 | Tens (10–90) | Kaf Complete Guide → |
| 12 | ل | Lam | 30 | Tens (10–90) | Lam Complete Guide → |
| 13 | م | meem | 40 | Tens (10–90) | meem Complete Guide → |
| 14 | ن | noon | 50 | Tens (10–90) | noon Complete Guide → |
| 15 | س | seen | 60 | Tens (10–90) | seen Complete Guide → |
| 16 | ع | Ayn | 70 | Tens (10–90) | Ayn Complete Guide → |
| 17 | ف | Fa | 80 | Tens (10–90) | Fa Complete Guide → |
| 18 | ص | Sad | 90 | Tens (10–90) | Sad Complete Guide → |
| 19 | ق | Qaf | 100 | Hundreds (100–900) | Qaf Complete Guide → |
| 20 | ر | Ra | 200 | Hundreds (100–900) | Ra Complete Guide → |
| 21 | ش | Shin | 300 | Hundreds (100–900) | Shin Complete Guide → |
| 22 | ت | Ta | 400 | Hundreds (100–900) | Ta Complete Guide → |
| 23 | ث | Tha | 500 | Hundreds (100–900) | Tha Complete Guide → |
| 24 | خ | Kha | 600 | Hundreds (100–900) | Kha Complete Guide → |
| 25 | ذ | Dhal | 700 | Hundreds (100–900) | Dhal Complete Guide → |
| 26 | ض | Dad | 800 | Hundreds (100–900) | Dad Complete Guide → |
| 27 | ظ | Zha | 900 | Hundreds (100–900) | Zha Complete Guide → |
| 28 | غ | Ghain | 1000 | Thousands | Ghain Complete Guide → |
Understanding Abjad Values & Hisab al-Jummal
The practical application of the Abjad system is called Hisab al-Jummal (حساب الجُمَّل), which means "calculation of total." This method allows you to calculate the numerical value of any Arabic word, name, or phrase by summing the individual letter values.
How to Calculate Abjad Values (Step-by-Step)
- Write the word in Arabic script: Start with the correct Arabic spelling of your word or name
- Find each letter in the Abjad table: Look up the numerical value for each letter
- Add all values together: Sum the individual letter values to get the total
- Verify your calculation: Double-check your addition or use our calculator tool
Live Calculation Example
Example: Calculating the Abjad value of "محمد" (Muhammad)
Result: The name "محمد" (Muhammad) has an Abjad value of 92 (40 + 8 + 40 + 4)
Historical Applications of Hisab al-Jummal
📅 Chronograms (Ta'rikh)
Poets embedded dates in verses where the total Abjad value matched the year of an important event. This artistic practice preserved historical dates in memorable poetry.
📜 Manuscript Numbering
Before Arabic numerals became standard, scribes used Abjad letters to number pages, chapters, and verse divisions in classical texts and Quranic manuscripts.
🕌 Architectural Inscriptions
Islamic architects incorporated Abjad chronograms into building inscriptions to record construction dates in an artistic, permanent way.
Browse Letters by Category – Visual Guide
Explore comprehensive guides for each Arabic letter below. Cards are organized by value range (Units, Tens, Hundreds, Thousands) for easy navigation.
Units (1–9)
The first nine letters of the Abjad sequence, representing basic seengle-digit values.
The first letter of the Abjad sequence. Symbolizes unity, beginnings, and divine oneness. Essential in Arabic grammar and phonology.
Explore Alif →Represents duality and connection. Often associated with house, foundation, and support in traditional interpretations.
Explore Ba →The third letter with a strong, assertive sound. Appears in many popular Arabic names and important words.
Explore Jim →A short, clear letter representing stability and direction. Common in words related to guidance and permanence.
Explore Dal →Soft breath-like sound. Often appears at the end of words and in pronouns. Central to Arabic morphology.
Explore Ha →Serves as both consonant and vowel. Means "and" when used as conjunction. Essential in Arabic grammar.
Explore Waw →Bright buzzing sound. Common in modern names and associated with adornment and beauty in classical texts.
Explore Zay →Deep, pharyngeal sound distinct from regular Ha. Important in Quranic recitation and Classical Arabic.
Explore Ḥa →Emphatic T sound. Adds weight and power to words. Common in religious terminology and classical vocabulary.
Explore Ṭa →Tens (10–90)
Letters representing values in multiples of ten, from 10 to 90.
Versatile letter serving as consonant and vowel. Essential in verb conjugations and possessive pronouns.
Explore Ya →Strong K sound. Often used in comparison ("like") and possessive pronouns. Very common in speech.
Explore Kaf →The "for/to" preposition. Most frequent letter in Arabic. Essential in definite article (ال).
Explore Lam →Nasal M sound. Common in prepositions, pronouns, and appears in many important religious terms.
Explore meem →Nasal N sound. Common in plurals, verb conjugations, and pronouns. Appears frequently in all text types.
Explore noon →Clear S sound. Common in questions, time expressions, and future tense markers.
Explore seen →Unique pharyngeal sound with no English equivalent. One of the most distinctive features of Arabic phonology.
Explore Ayn →F sound. Common conjunction meaning "then/so". Essential in narrative and logical sequences.
Explore Fa →Emphatic S sound. Darker and heavier than regular seen. Important in Quranic recitation.
Explore Sad →Hundreds (100–900)
Letters with higher values representing hundreds, from 100 to 900.
Deep Q sound from back of throat. Strong and authoritative. Common in religious and formal vocabulary.
Explore Qaf →Rolled R sound. Very common in all types of Arabic text. Essential in verbs and nouns.
Explore Ra →SH sound. Common in names, verbs, and nouns. Appears frequently in modern Arabic vocabulary.
Explore Shin →Regular T sound. One of the most frequent letters. Essential in feminine markers and verb forms.
Explore Ta →TH sound like in "think". Important in classical vocabulary and religious terms.
Explore Tha →Guttural KH sound like Scottish "loch". Common in names and important vocabulary.
Explore Kha →TH sound like in "this". Important in demonstratives and relative pronouns.
Explore Dhal →Emphatic D sound. Known as the "letter of Arabic" - unique to Arabic phonology. Deep cultural significance.
Explore Dad →Emphatic version of Dhal. Heavy, emphatic sound. Less common but important in classical vocabulary.
Explore Zha →Thousands (1000)
The final letter with the highest traditional Abjad value.
The Abjad System in Quranic Studies
The Abjad system has played a significant role in Islamic scholarship's approach to studying the Quran and classical Arabic texts. While not part of Islamic theology itself, the numerical values have been used by scholars as analytical and contemplative tools.
Historical Scholarly Applications
📖 Textual Analysis
Medieval scholars used Abjad values to study letter frequency patterns, word relationships, and structural elements in Quranic text as a form of linguistic analysis.
📚 Manuscript Organization
Early Quranic manuscripts used Abjad numerals to mark verse numbers, chapter divisions, and sajdah positions before Arabic-Indic numerals became standard.
🎓 Ilm al-Huroof
The "Science of Letters" - a traditional Islamic discipline where scholars studied the spiritual and linguistic dimensions of Arabic letters within Islamic context.
Notable Scholars in Letter Sciences
Several prominent Islamic scholars wrote about the Abjad system and letter sciences:
- Ahmad al-Buni (d. 1225 CE): Author of "Shams al-Ma'arif" (The Sun of Knowledge), discusseeng letter symbolism and spiritual dimensions
- Ibn Arabi (d. 1240 CE): Sufi mystic who explored letter symbolism in his extensive writings on Islamic spirituality
- Ibn Khaldun (d. 1406 CE): Historian who documented the use of chronograms and Abjad numerals in historical writing
- Al-Ghazali (d. 1111 CE): Referenced letter symbolism in his spiritual and theological works
Modern Academic Perspective
Contemporary Islamic studies scholars view the Abjad system primarily as:
- A historical numbering system used before modern Arabic numerals
- A linguistic tool for understanding classical Arabic texts
- Part of Islamic cultural and intellectual heritage
- A subject of academic research in Arabic linguistics and manuscripts
Common Misconceptions About Abjad Values
There are several widespread misunderstandings about the Abjad system. Let's clarify the most common ones:
❌ Myth: Abjad is Fortune-Telling
Reality: Abjad is a numbering system used for calculations and historical dating. Legitimate scholarly uses are distinct from superstitious practices. Islamic scholars warn against fortune-telling (kah انت/taraqqum).
❌ Myth: Abjad Predicts the Future
Reality: Abjad provides numerical values only. It has no supernatural predictive power. Any claims about predicting future events through numbers contradict Islamic teachings.
❌ Myth: It's Required in Islam
Reality: Abjad is NOT part of Islamic religious obligations. It's a cultural and linguistic tool, not a religious practice. Many Muslims are unfamiliar with it.
❌ Myth: All Scholars Approved It
Reality: Islamic scholars have diverse opinions. Some used it academically, others cautioned against potential misuse. Different schools of thought have varying perspectives.
❌ Myth: It's the Same as Numerology
Reality: Modern numerology is different from historical Abjad use. Classical scholars used it for dating, numbering, and linguistic analysis—not mystical predictions.
❌ Myth: Abjad = Modern Alphabet
Reality: Abjad order is distinct from modern alphabetical order. They serve different purposes and have different historical origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Tools & Resources
📱 Our Calculator Tools
Free online tool to instantly calculate Abjad values for any Arabic text or name.
Advanced calculator with detailed breakdowns and analysis of numerical values.
Compare Abjad values of two names to explore numerical relationships.
Calculate Greatest Name values based on traditional Islamic numerology methods.
📚 Educational Guides
Comprehensive tutorial covering everything from basics to advanced calculations.
Detailed explanation of calculation methodology and traditional rules.
Learn about our research approach and academic standards.
Special tutorial designed for those learning Arabic or interested in the system.
🎓 Research Articles
Exploring historical scholarly approaches to Quranic numerical patterns.
Historical perspective on how Sufi scholars approached letter sciences.
Contemporary uses of Abjad in linguistics, cryptography, and art.
Regular updates with insights, tutorials, and historical discoveries.
Academic References & Sources
This article is based on scholarly research and classical Islamic sources. We cite authoritative references to maintain academic integrity and provide readers with pathways for deeper study.
- Encyclopedia of Islam, 2nd Edition – Comprehensive articles on "Abjad," "Hisab al-Jummal," and "Huruf" by leading Islamic studies scholars. Brill Publishers.
- Al-Buni, Ahmad ibn Ali (d. 1225 CE). Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra (The Greatest Sun of Knowledge). Classical text on Islamic letter sciences and numerology.
- Ibn Khaldun (d. 1406 CE). Muqaddimah (The Introduction). Discussion of chronograms and historical uses of Abjad numerals in chapter on chronology.
- Schimmel, Annemarie. The Mystery of Numbers. Oxford University Press, 1993. Academic analysis of numerical symbolism in Islamic civilization.
- Versteegh, Kees. The Arabic Language. Edinburgh University Press, 2014. Comprehensive linguistic analysis including Abjad system origins.
- Cooperson, Michael. Al-Ma'mun. Oneworld Publications, 2005. Historical context of Arabic numerals and Abjad usage in Abbasid period.
- Endress, Gerhard. "Reading Avicenna in the Madrasa" in Arabic Sciences and Philosophy, vol. 23 (2013). Cambridge University Press. Analysis of manuscript notation practices.
- Nünning, Vera. A History of Numerology: From Ancient Times to Modern Day. Academic discussion of alphanumeric systems across cultures.
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