Joining Group - RA

RA is a value in the joining group classification that identifies the Arabic letter Reh and its visual variants, such as the initial, medial, and final forms used in connected script. In shaping processes, RA indicates that the character belongs to a specific cursive group that determines how it connects to neighboring letters, particularly affecting the form of the preceding letter by requiring a broken or disjointed connection. This group is notable for its right‑joining behavior only, meaning it connects to the letter before it but does not join to the following letter, creating a distinctive gap in the word. The RA value helps software correctly render Arabic‑script text by ensuring that the Reh letter maintains its characteristic shape and spacing, especially in languages like Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, where correct joining behavior is essential for legibility.