abjad #1 - ʾalif - أ

ʾalif - أ Although usually considered to be the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, the small hamza (ء‎ (ʾ)) that sits on top of أ‎ (ʾ) is really the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, and the tall column is its bearer. This entry only deals with the lower part, the bearer, which is called أَلِف‎ (ʾalif) and, without the hamza, is used to lengthen a preceding a. It has the sound of English "A" in the word At.