Type a word or name to see its Abjad value in the Mashriqi and Maghribi systems side by side. Letters that score differently are highlighted. For example, شمس الدين is 495 in Mashriqi and 1435 in Maghribi.
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Mashriqi (Kabir)
Maghribi
| # | Letter | Name | Mashriqi | Maghribi |
|---|
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Why the Two Systems Differ
Both systems give the same values to 22 letters. The Maghribi tradition placed the six later letters in a different order, so their values changed.
| Letter | Name | Mashriqi | Maghribi |
|---|---|---|---|
| س | Sin | 60 | 300 |
| ص | Sad | 90 | 60 |
| ش | Shin | 300 | 1000 |
| ض | Dad | 800 | 90 |
| ظ | Za | 900 | 800 |
| غ | Ghayn | 1000 | 900 |
A word without these six letters has the same value in both systems. محمد is 92 either way.
The Maghribi Memory Words
Maghribi students learned the order with their own reading of the memory words. It begins abujadin, hawazin and hutiya.
Where Each System Was Used
The Mashriqi system was used across the eastern Islamic world, from Egypt to South Asia. Persian, Ottoman and Urdu chronograms use it.
The Maghribi system was used in North Africa and al-Andalus. Some early authorities quote it, and some scholars consider it the older order.
How to Tell Which System a Source Used
- Look for a word that contains one of the six letters.
- Calculate it here in both systems.
- See which total matches the number the author gives.
These names make good test words, because each contains a letter that changes.
| Word | Mashriqi | Maghribi |
|---|---|---|
| صالح | 129 | 99 |
| غلام | 1071 | 971 |
| ظفر | 1180 | 1080 |
| عبد الصمد | 241 | 211 |
Which System Should You Use?
Use Mashriqi for most work, because it is the common standard. It is also the default across this site.
Use Maghribi when you study a North African source, or when an author’s numbers only match it.
What About Saghir and Wusta?
Some books mention smaller reckonings called Saghir and Wusta. Sources describe them in different ways, so this tool shows only the two documented letter tables.
See every letter in both systems on the Arabic letter values page. To count a full phrase, use the Phrase Calculator.
Sources and Further Reading
- Wikipedia: Abjad numerals (Mashriqi and Maghribi orders)
- MELA Committee on Cataloging: Alphabetic numeral system (abjad table)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Maghribi value sometimes lower?
Some letters are worth less in Maghribi. For example, ض is 800 in Mashriqi but 90 in Maghribi.
Does the hamza option work in both systems?
Yes. A standalone hamza counts as 1 in both systems when you tick the option.
Can I compare a whole phrase?
Yes. Type the phrase and both totals update, with every letter listed.
Why does شمس الدين change so much?
It has both ش and س. In Maghribi they rise from 300 and 60 to 1000 and 300.
Can I print the comparison?
Yes. Use the Print button to get a page with both totals and every letter.
Author: Shakeel Muzaffar
Reviewer: Moulana Haji Abdul Basit (Islamic Scholar and Mentor)