Abuz Zubair
5th May 2004, 12:40 PM
As-Salaamu 'Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakaatuh,
Welcome to our online Arabic lessons! I pray to Allah that He makes our intentions pure and gives us the understanding of this religion, the key to which is the knowledge of the Arabic language.
I don't think I need to write something on the importance of learning Arabic, as there are plenty of articles already available on the site.
Refer to this URL: www.islamicawakening.com/articles.php?subcatID=2 for articles written on the subject of Arabic language, its importance and how to learn it, as well as other important articles related to seeking sacred knowledge in general.
However, I would like mention a few points before we begin our lessons.
1) Arabic is an amazing language, due to its beauty, versatility and more importantly due to the ease of learning. From here we understand the wisdom of Allah in revealing the Qur'an in Arabic, because Quran is an address to all human beings, and in the easiest language to learn. For if Arabic was difficult, Allah would not have revealed it in Arabic, for the purpose of revelation is to establish Allah's proofs against the creation, and to reveal it in a difficult language defeats the purpose of revelation. And therefore Allah says: “Verily we have sent it down as an Arabic Qur`aan in order that you may understand” (Surah Yusuf: 2). So do not let the devils from the Jinn and men whisper to you that you cannot learn Arabic, or that it is difficult. Be patient until the spirit of Arabic dwells into your soul and mixes with your blood and flesh. You will then feel as if Arabic is your forgotten mother tongue.
2) Arabic, just like any other language, needs much practice. It isn't sufficient for one to learn a few sentences or some grammar and think he has learned Arabic. Surely, learning Arabic takes years of perseverance. I began to learn Arabic in 94/95, and nearly ten years on, I am still learning Arabic. In fact, the sciences of the Arabic language are an endless ocean. One of my Arabic teachers, who is in his late 50s or early 60s told us that he had been teaching Arabic for last 40 years, yet he still attends lessons in Arabic with another Sheikh!
3) Due to the nature of these online Arabic lessons, the students most probably would not get the practice they require. However, those who really want to benefit from these lessons must implement what they learn in practice. For example, if you learn to construct past-tense sentences, set a target for yourself of writing at least 10 past-tense sentences in Arabic a day. Moreover, if you have Arab friends, or those who know Arabic, try to communicate with them in Arabic only; and if you happen to be parents, then speak to your children in Arabic, for that will not only help you, but help your children in learning Arabic from a very young age.
4) Give much importance to reading, and there is plenty of suitable material, appropriate for everyone's level of Arabic, available in nearly all Islamic bookshops. For example, if you are a beginner, then there is no shame in buying a children's book for your own reading and practice; and if you have no access to any Islamic bookshops, you can still visit various Arabic websites, save an article and try to read it in your spare time.
5) Any student of the Arabic language cannot do without a dictionary. Therefore, my suggestion for the students in the early levels (level 1-3) is al-Mawrid Pocket Dictionary, which is English-Arabic as well as Arabic-English; and for students in latter levels (3 +) Hans Wehr Dictionary.
6) If there is anything you do not understand, whether it is something you are taught in the lessons, or something you came across while practicing in your own time, please do not hesitate to ask, and do not feel ashamed.
May Allah make it easy for us these lessons and grant us perseverance and steadfastness on the path of seeking sacred knowledge.
Ameen
Was-salaamu 'alaikum
To join, you must subscribe to the 'Arabic' usergroup in the top menu
Welcome to our online Arabic lessons! I pray to Allah that He makes our intentions pure and gives us the understanding of this religion, the key to which is the knowledge of the Arabic language.
I don't think I need to write something on the importance of learning Arabic, as there are plenty of articles already available on the site.
Refer to this URL: www.islamicawakening.com/articles.php?subcatID=2 for articles written on the subject of Arabic language, its importance and how to learn it, as well as other important articles related to seeking sacred knowledge in general.
However, I would like mention a few points before we begin our lessons.
1) Arabic is an amazing language, due to its beauty, versatility and more importantly due to the ease of learning. From here we understand the wisdom of Allah in revealing the Qur'an in Arabic, because Quran is an address to all human beings, and in the easiest language to learn. For if Arabic was difficult, Allah would not have revealed it in Arabic, for the purpose of revelation is to establish Allah's proofs against the creation, and to reveal it in a difficult language defeats the purpose of revelation. And therefore Allah says: “Verily we have sent it down as an Arabic Qur`aan in order that you may understand” (Surah Yusuf: 2). So do not let the devils from the Jinn and men whisper to you that you cannot learn Arabic, or that it is difficult. Be patient until the spirit of Arabic dwells into your soul and mixes with your blood and flesh. You will then feel as if Arabic is your forgotten mother tongue.
2) Arabic, just like any other language, needs much practice. It isn't sufficient for one to learn a few sentences or some grammar and think he has learned Arabic. Surely, learning Arabic takes years of perseverance. I began to learn Arabic in 94/95, and nearly ten years on, I am still learning Arabic. In fact, the sciences of the Arabic language are an endless ocean. One of my Arabic teachers, who is in his late 50s or early 60s told us that he had been teaching Arabic for last 40 years, yet he still attends lessons in Arabic with another Sheikh!
3) Due to the nature of these online Arabic lessons, the students most probably would not get the practice they require. However, those who really want to benefit from these lessons must implement what they learn in practice. For example, if you learn to construct past-tense sentences, set a target for yourself of writing at least 10 past-tense sentences in Arabic a day. Moreover, if you have Arab friends, or those who know Arabic, try to communicate with them in Arabic only; and if you happen to be parents, then speak to your children in Arabic, for that will not only help you, but help your children in learning Arabic from a very young age.
4) Give much importance to reading, and there is plenty of suitable material, appropriate for everyone's level of Arabic, available in nearly all Islamic bookshops. For example, if you are a beginner, then there is no shame in buying a children's book for your own reading and practice; and if you have no access to any Islamic bookshops, you can still visit various Arabic websites, save an article and try to read it in your spare time.
5) Any student of the Arabic language cannot do without a dictionary. Therefore, my suggestion for the students in the early levels (level 1-3) is al-Mawrid Pocket Dictionary, which is English-Arabic as well as Arabic-English; and for students in latter levels (3 +) Hans Wehr Dictionary.
6) If there is anything you do not understand, whether it is something you are taught in the lessons, or something you came across while practicing in your own time, please do not hesitate to ask, and do not feel ashamed.
May Allah make it easy for us these lessons and grant us perseverance and steadfastness on the path of seeking sacred knowledge.
Ameen
Was-salaamu 'alaikum
To join, you must subscribe to the 'Arabic' usergroup in the top menu