The Meaning of the Letter Vav and Its Place in Sufism

Vav (و) is the most symbol-laden letter of the Arabic alphabet; in calligraphy it is loved enough to become a panel on its own. Its shape: A round head and a tail descending below; it recalls a person bowing in prostration, head lowered. Thus it is a symbol of humility. Abjad value: The numeric value of vav is 6; it is said to point to the six articles of faith. In Sufism: The double-vav composition (وو) symbolises the names 'Vahid' and 'Vedud' (the One and the Loving), and the union of the two worlds (this world and the next) or of the servant with the Truth. The 'secret of vav': Some Sufis say 'all is hidden in the vav'; the head of the letter represents the divine realm, its tail the created. Arakiye's 'Vav' panel, mother-of-pearl inlaid on ebony, writes this symbolism in light.