Arabic vowel marks, known as harakat, are diacritical signs used in the Arabic script to indicate short vowels. These marks are essential for proper pronunciation, especially for learners of the language, as Arabic is primarily written without them. The three main vowel marks are fatha (a short "a" sound), damma (a short "u" sound), and kasra (a short "i" sound). In addition to the short vowels, there are also marks for longer vowels and other phonetic features. These include the sukun, which indicates the absence of a vowel, and the shadda, which signifies a doubled consonant. While native speakers often read Arabic without these marks, they are crucial in religious texts, poetry, and educational materials to ensure clarity and accuracy.