Question Summary:
How should one write a Hamza Qat’ee?

Question Detail:

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
 
It is said that one should write a hamza on the alif of a hamzatul Qat'i eg
on the alif of ANA أنا. It can be seen that this rule has been respected by
the kutub like Qasasun Nabiyeen, Al Qiraa'atul Raashida and many other
kitaabs, but this hasn't been observed in the classical kitabs like
Mishkaat etc. Please tell me if it's necessary to observe this rule while
writing in Arabic as some says that not writing it is a mistake!

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
 
As-salāmu `alaykumwa-rahmatullāhiwa-barakātuh.
 
An “Alif” which has a Hamza al- Qati’ee (glottal sign) is termed as “Al – Alif al – Yabisah”.[1]
 
Since the Hamza Qat’ee is in the initial glyph form (orthographic terminology), it is necessary that the Hamzah Qat’ee be written in the script.[2] 
If the Hamzah Qat’ee appears on an “Alif” at the beginning of a word, then if it has fatha, the Hamza Qat’ee will be written on the top of the “Alif”. If it has a Kasra, the Hamzah Qat’ee will be written at the bottom of the “Alif”.[3]
 
All the experts of Orthography are unanimous on the aforementioned rule.
 
And Allah knows best.
 
Moulana Ismail Desai
Durban, South Africa
Student DarulIftaa
 
Checked and Approved
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Daaruliftaa.net