Harakat refers to a system of diacritical marks used in the Arabic script to indicate short vowels and other phonetic features. These marks help clarify pronunciation and meaning, especially in texts where the context may be ambiguous. Harakat is essential for learners of Arabic and is often used in religious texts, poetry, and children's literature to aid reading. The primary harakat symbols include fatha, damma, and kasra, which represent the short vowels "a," "u," and "i," respectively. Additionally, there are other marks like sukun and shadda that indicate the absence of a vowel or the doubling of a consonant. Understanding harakat is crucial for accurate reading and comprehension in Arabic.