Arabic is the language of the Qur’an. It is the language spoken by the Prophet ﷺ. Consequently, Arabic is central to our tradition and our Islamic heritage. Despite being so core to our faith, many of us struggle to directly access our sacred texts and are hence unable to fully benefit from them. There is a barrier that lies between us and this wealth of knowledge, and the key to breaking it is the Arabic language.

For the majority, there was never a chance to learn Arabic properly. At best, children do not go past the Arabic alphabet and the sounds of the letters. However, even those who pursue its study in a formal setting end up focusing solely on theory. Though this should yield a sound foundation in syntax and morphology, it begets a lack of intuition and acumen which only conversational Arabic can grant.

If the problem is not addressed, we will see a community whose members are disassociated from their heritage and, worse, their religion. We will see a generation whose ‘scholarly’ reference is social media. Those who have studied Arabic among them may still be unable to think in the language or extemporise speech in it.

Our Arabic programme seeks to address this problem. Aimed to be completed over one academic year, an emphasis is placed on applying Arabic within our day-to-day lives, specifically for those living in the West.

Many students travel to Arab countries because they hear that the best method for learning is immersion. Immersion is certainly an incredibly helpful catalyst. However, travel does not always guarantee immersion. Even in an Arab country, many students fall into the comfort of speaking English with their Western peers, or they find that the locals only speak dialectal Arabic, confusing the student and hindering their progress. The country does not always hold a person back nor does it necessarily grant them a head start.

We suggest a more practical way of learning with elements of immersion implemented – a programme that can be completed right here in the West. The curriculum is based on the well-known Arabic text al-ʿArabiyyatu Bayna Yadayk. Students will gather the majority of their vocabulary through these books, alongside thorough but simplified explanation of grammatical rules. The course will also be complemented by other modules to assist speech.

● Conversational Arabic

Students will delve into the famous Arabic text ‘al-ʿArabiyyatu Bayna Yadayk’. The main objective of this module is to immerse students in the language and develop communication skills that allow them to experience Arabic in everyday life. Students will be encouraged to reach a level whereby they express themselves comfortably in the language. 

● Syntax

Students will study a thorough but simplified explanation of grammatical rules. This will enable the student to construct sentences, along with understanding the Qur’an and a variety of texts. Topics that will be covered include: 

➢ Classification of words, nouns, verbs, particles

➢ Compound structures

➢ Verbal and nominal sentences

➢ The three cases

● Morphology

Students will study a detailed explanation of morphology allowing them to conjugate verbs to assist them in writing, reading, and speaking. Verbs will be given on a weekly basis where students will be asked to memorise, explain, and apply them in their day to day speech. Topics that will be covered include:

➢ Past, present, and future verbs

➢ Imperative and prohibition verbs

➢ Verb patterns

➢ Triliteral and Quadrilateral verbs

➢ Defective verbs

➢ Jussive and subjunctive verbs

● Applied Arabic

Students will be given a text on a weekly basis to decipher; read, comprehend, and engage with. This subject will allow students to gauge an understanding and appreciation for the written language, expressions and writing skills.

● Calligraphy

➢ Students will be given the opportunity to learn Islamic Calligraphy and develop an appreciation for its beautiful form and line work. With calligraphy being a fundamental element of Islamic art, this module introduces the student to their Islamic tradition and culture.

Registration for this class has now been filled. 

Registration will open in 2024 for the new academic year.

Last Updated: 1st October 2023