QUR’ANIC ARABIC SERIES (ARABIYYATUL QUR’ĀN) عربية القرآن
Introduction to Qur’anic Arabic
Hundreds of millions of non-Arab Muslims engage with Arabic daily through Islamic rituals such as Ṣalah, reading the Qur’ān, Du’ā’, and other religious duties. While Arabic is studied for various reasons, the most common motivation is to understand the Qur’ān and traditional Islamic sciences. Many aim to grasp the essential fundamentals required of every Muslim. In response to this need, there is a growing interest in teaching and learning Qur’anic Arabic, a specialized field focused on understanding the Qur’ān. This innovative series addresses the gap in current educational offerings by employing modern and advanced methodologies tailored to diverse learners. Whether you’re new to Arabic or seeking to deepen your knowledge, our program is designed to meet various cultural and educational needs. Qur’anic Arabic has recently emerged as a distinct discipline, reflecting the increasing desire to connect with the Qur’ān’s profound meanings. What sets Qur’anic Arabic apart from other language learning approaches is its emphasis on grasping the Qur’ān’s unique nature as divine revelation. With over one billion people globally using Arabic for devotional purposes, Qur’anic Arabic serves a vast and diverse audience, transcending cultural, geographical, and racial barriers. It stands as one of the largest devotional languages in the world, making it a vital tool for Muslims seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
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Aim of the Qur’anic Arabic Series (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān)
The Qur’anic Arabic Series (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) is meticulously designed to help learners understand Qur’anic texts through reading and listening. The primary aim of this series is to facilitate a deep comprehension of the Qur’ān’s language and meanings. Its focus is dedicated to the recognition, differentiation, and understanding of Qur’anic Arabic. It does not aim to teach the art of recitation (tilāwah), writing, or speaking (the reproduction skills) in Arabic. These skills require separate, specialized training and are not addressed within this series.
Target Group
The series is intended for individuals and learners seeking to understand the Holy Qur’ān, irrespective of their cultural or linguistic backgrounds. The only basic requirement is to have the ability to read Arabic. This series is designed to be adaptable to a wide range of learners and educational settings, such as, individuals, government and private institutions, Arabic language centers, memorization and Islamic schools, universities, and colleges making it a valuable tool for anyone committed to exploring the depths of Qur’anic Arabic.
Introduction to Our Team
The “Qur’anic Arabic Series (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) is the product of a dedicated and highly skilled team of professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to the project. Our team is composed of esteemed academics, applied linguists, and curriculum designers with a collective experience exceeding 200 years in the field of Arabic language education for non-Arab learners.
Professor Mahmoud Ismail Saleh
Background: Educated in Madinah al Munawwarah, with a BA in English Literature from King Saud University, and an MA and PhD in Linguistics from Georgetown University.
Professional Interests: With more than four decades of practical experience, he is recognized as one of the world’s foremost scholars in teaching Arabic to non-Arabs. His expertise spans applied linguistics, language and computers, Islamic studies, translation, Arabization, lexicography, and language planning. He has designed Arabic proficiency tests, supervised postgraduate students, and engaged in specialized teacher training and research.
Experience and Influence: Founder of the Arabic Language Institute at Riyadh University, a pioneering institution dedicated to teaching Arabic and training teachers. Thousands of students have graduated from this institute, many of whom now serve as qualified specialists and educators worldwide. Professor Mahmoud remains active in the field and continues to influence Arabic language education globally.
Muhammad Murshid Davids
Background: Studied Sociology, Linguistics, and Arabic at the University of South Africa, Arabic Studies at King Saud University, and Islamic Studies at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University. He holds a master’s degree in Arabic Translation and Second Language Teaching from the University of Salford, UK, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Arabic, focusing on designing a bilingual frequency lexicon of the verbs of the Qur’an.
Expertise: Founder and Executive Director of Arabic Without Borders, he conceived and directed the Qur’anic Arabic (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) series. He specializes in Qur’anic Sciences and Exegesis and has extensive teaching and training experience.
Publications: He has published several books, including the Arabic edition of Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom.” He was also a founding member of the Society for the Promotion of Arabic Language in South Africa.
Ustadh Nassef Mustafa Abdulaziz
Background: Educated in Egypt and internationally, Ustadh Nassef has gained experience at various institutions, including King Saud University and City University.
Teaching Experience: He is one of the most prolific Arabic curriculum specialists and teachers of Arabic to non-Arabs over the past four decades. His teaching experience includes positions at the University of Kuwait, College of Literature, Teachers’ College in Kuwait, and several Arabic language institutes, such as King Saud University in Riyadh, Umm al-Qurā University in Makkah, Alexandria University in Egypt, and City University in London.
Expertise and Publications: Ustadh Nassef has authored more than 140 teaching books for Arabic learners and over 500 children’s stories. He has collaborated with the Ministry of Education in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, and other organizations to produce dictionaries and educational publications.
About Qur’anic Arabic (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān): He states, “It has been the most challenging and enjoyable series to work on in service of Muslims across the world in their quest to understand the Qur’an through Arabic.”
Dr. Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Fadl
Background: Dr. Mohamed holds a PhD in Curriculum Design from the International University of Africa, an MA in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabs from the Khartoum International Institute for Arabic Language, and a BA in Education, Arabic, and English from the University of Khartoum.
Curriculum Design Expertise: He is recognized as one of the most accomplished authors and curriculum designers in the Arab world, with extensive teaching and teacher training experience in over 12 countries. His specializations include language planning, curriculum design, teacher training, language testing, assessment and evaluation, and online teaching. Dr. Mohamed has taught at several universities in Saudi Arabia and serves as a specialist consultant and advisor to various international institutions.
Authorship and Publications: He has authored and co-authored over ten of the most popular Arabic language series for non-Arabs globally, as well as several books in Arabic for special purposes, including diplomacy, business, medicine, and security.
Dr. Ahmad al Barā’ Umar al Amiri
Background: Educated in Syria, Dr. Ahmad holds a BA in Shariah and a BA in English Literature, as well as a Master’s and PhD in Islamic Studies with a specialization in Qur’anic Exegesis.
Expertise: He has taught English, Islamic Culture, and Arabic to non-Arabs at King Saud University and Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he served as a special advisor to the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for over ten years.
Publications: Dr. Ahmad has presented over 300 radio and television programs on various topics in Islam and Qur’anic Studies. He has participated in numerous international conferences and conducted workshops and seminars on Islamic Studies and Arabic in several countries. He has published more than ten books, including the bestseller His Six Fitnesses: The Art of Islamic Living, and has an unpublished manuscript of his poetry.
Dr. Ahmed Moktar al Shareef
Background: Dr. Ahmed holds a PhD in Arabic Grammar from Imām Muḥammad bin Saud University, as well as both an MA and BA in Arabic from the University of Damascus. He is an Associate Professor specializing in Grammar.
Expertise: He is a specialist in Arabic grammar and morphology, with extensive experience in teaching and curriculum development. Dr. Ahmed also serves as an author and consultant on Arabic educational materials.
Teaching Experience: He has taught Arabic at various secondary and international schools, language institutions, and universities, including Muḥammad bin Saud University, Yamama University, the Riyadh Arabic Language Institute, King Faisal International School, and the Arabi Institute. He has conducted specialized courses in training media students and teaching Arabic to non-Arabs.
Publications and Consultancy: Dr. Ahmed has co-authored three books on Arabic morphology for non-Arabs at the university level. He has supervised Master’s theses and served as an external discussant for many others. He continues to contribute as an Arabic language advisor, author, and consultant.
Professor Mahmoud Ismail Saleh
Background: Educated in Madinah al Munawwarah, with a BA in English Literature from King Saud University, and an MA and PhD in Linguistics from Georgetown University.
Professional Interests: With more than four decades of practical experience, he is recognized as one of the world’s foremost scholars in teaching Arabic to non-Arabs. His expertise spans applied linguistics, language and computers, Islamic studies, translation, Arabization, lexicography, and language planning. He has designed Arabic proficiency tests, supervised postgraduate students, and engaged in specialized teacher training and research.
Experience and Influence: Founder of the Arabic Language Institute at Riyadh University, a pioneering institution dedicated to teaching Arabic and training teachers. Thousands of students have graduated from this institute, many of whom now serve as qualified specialists and educators worldwide. Professor Mahmoud remains active in the field and continues to influence Arabic language education globally.
Muhammad Murshid Davids
Background: Studied Sociology, Linguistics, and Arabic at the University of South Africa, Arabic Studies at King Saud University, and Islamic Studies at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University. He holds a master’s degree in Arabic Translation and Second Language Teaching from the University of Salford, UK, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Arabic, focusing on designing a bilingual frequency lexicon of the verbs of the Qur’an.
Expertise: Founder and Executive Director of Arabic Without Borders, he conceived and directed the Qur’anic Arabic (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) series. He specializes in Qur’anic Sciences and Exegesis and has extensive teaching and training experience.
Publications: He has published several books, including the Arabic edition of Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom.” He was also a founding member of the Society for the Promotion of Arabic Language in South Africa.
Ustadh Nassef Mustafa Abdulaziz
Background: Educated in Egypt and internationally, Ustadh Nassef has gained experience at various institutions, including King Saud University and City University.
Teaching Experience: He is one of the most prolific Arabic curriculum specialists and teachers of Arabic to non-Arabs over the past four decades. His teaching experience includes positions at the University of Kuwait, College of Literature, Teachers’ College in Kuwait, and several Arabic language institutes, such as King Saud University in Riyadh, Umm al-Qurā University in Makkah, Alexandria University in Egypt, and City University in London.
Expertise and Publications: Ustadh Nassef has authored more than 140 teaching books for Arabic learners and over 500 children’s stories. He has collaborated with the Ministry of Education in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, and other organizations to produce dictionaries and educational publications.
About Qur’anic Arabic (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān): He states, “It has been the most challenging and enjoyable series to work on in service of Muslims across the world in their quest to understand the Qur’an through Arabic.”
Dr. Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Fadl
Background: Dr. Mohamed holds a PhD in Curriculum Design from the International University of Africa, an MA in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabs from the Khartoum International Institute for Arabic Language, and a BA in Education, Arabic, and English from the University of Khartoum.
Curriculum Design Expertise: He is recognized as one of the most accomplished authors and curriculum designers in the Arab world, with extensive teaching and teacher training experience in over 12 countries. His specializations include language planning, curriculum design, teacher training, language testing, assessment and evaluation, and online teaching. Dr. Mohamed has taught at several universities in Saudi Arabia and serves as a specialist consultant and advisor to various international institutions.
Authorship and Publications: He has authored and co-authored over ten of the most popular Arabic language series for non-Arabs globally, as well as several books in Arabic for special purposes, including diplomacy, business, medicine, and security.
Dr. Ahmad al Barā’ Umar al Amiri
Background: Educated in Syria, Dr. Ahmad holds a BA in Shariah and a BA in English Literature, as well as a Master’s and PhD in Islamic Studies with a specialization in Qur’anic Exegesis.
Expertise: He has taught English, Islamic Culture, and Arabic to non-Arabs at King Saud University and Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he served as a special advisor to the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for over ten years.
Publications: Dr. Ahmad has presented over 300 radio and television programs on various topics in Islam and Qur’anic Studies. He has participated in numerous international conferences and conducted workshops and seminars on Islamic Studies and Arabic in several countries. He has published more than ten books, including the bestseller His Six Fitnesses: The Art of Islamic Living, and has an unpublished manuscript of his poetry.
Dr. Ahmed Moktar al Shareef
Background: Dr. Ahmed holds a PhD in Arabic Grammar from Imām Muḥammad bin Saud University, as well as both an MA and BA in Arabic from the University of Damascus. He is an Associate Professor specializing in Grammar.
Expertise: He is a specialist in Arabic grammar and morphology, with extensive experience in teaching and curriculum development. Dr. Ahmed also serves as an author and consultant on Arabic educational materials.
Teaching Experience: He has taught Arabic at various secondary and international schools, language institutions, and universities, including Muḥammad bin Saud University, Yamama University, the Riyadh Arabic Language Institute, King Faisal International School, and the Arabi Institute. He has conducted specialized courses in training media students and teaching Arabic to non-Arabs.
Publications and Consultancy: Dr. Ahmed has co-authored three books on Arabic morphology for non-Arabs at the university level. He has supervised Master’s theses and served as an external discussant for many others. He continues to contribute as an Arabic language advisor, author, and consultant.
Design Methodology
Design Methodology of the “Qur’anic Arabic Series (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) Overview: The Qur’anic Arabic Series (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) is a comprehensive six-book program, with each book meticulously designed to represent a distinct level of proficiency. This structured approach ensures a gradual and systematic progression in mastering Qur’anic Arabic, offering a complete and immersive learning experience. Lesson Structure: Each lesson in series features a Qur’anic theme and is structured into five distinct yet integrated sections to provide a comprehensive learning experience.Prose Text: Engages learners with authentic texts and actual Qur’anic passages for contextual understanding with predefined number of new words; Comprehension: Assesses and reinforces understanding of the text; Vocabulary and New Expressions: Introduces and practices essential words and phrases; Grammar Structures: Explains and applies key grammatical rules and concepts in a functional approach; Qur’anic Directives: Highlights and explores important Qur’anic principles and values. This structured approach ensures a thorough and cohesive grasp of Qur’anic Arabic in each lesson.
Vocabulary and Frequency Analysis: Comprehensive analysis of Qur’anic vocabulary through statistical and frequency methods. Words are categorized by roots, grammatical categories, and linguistic aspects.
Graded Vocabulary Introduction: A structured approach to introducing Qur’anic vocabulary, from most frequent to less frequent, with contextual usage in various levels for range and dispersion.
Grammar, Syntax, and Morphology: Systematic presentation of Arabic grammar rules and morphological principles, with over forty functional exercises covering root patterns, word derivations and conjugations.
Rhetoric and Idiomatic Expressions: Dedicated sections on Qur’anic rhetoric and idiomatic expressions to enhance comprehension of the Qur’anic narrative style.
Practical Exercises and Testing: Extensive use of over sixty types of exercises and twenty-five periodic tests to reinforce learning and assess progress.
Special Features: In-depth exploration of Qur’anic value-principles, thematic verses, Du’ās, roots, synonyms, antonyms, collocations, word definitions, and semantic domains.
Course Duration: Designed to be completed within 700 contact hours, providing a comprehensive and structured learning experience.
Solutions and Feedback: Inclusion of solutions and answers for all exercises, with provisions for learner feedback and ongoing improvements.
Peer Review: The series has undergone rigorous peer review and has been trialed in several countries to ensure that our materials are not only academically sound but also effective across diverse educational contexts.
Global Validation: Our team’s commitment to excellence and global validation underscores the credibility and effectiveness of the Qur’anic Arabic (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) series, making it a trusted resource for deepening Qur’anic understanding.
Structured Levels: Introductory Book – Arabic Sounds and Letters: Our series begins with a dedicated introductory book designed to teach the fundamentals of the Arabic sounds and letters. This foundational resource is essential for learners new to the Arabic script and phonetics and ensures that learners are well-prepared to progress into the actual Qur’anic Arabic Series (‘Arabiyyatul Qur’ān) with a strong grasp of essential Arabic literacy skills.
Book One: Introduces foundational vocabulary (800 new words and) and basic functional grammar (one rule per lesson) and short texts. Designed for beginners to establish a solid base in Qur’anic Arabic.
Book Two: Expands on basic vocabulary (900 new words) and introduces intermediate functional grammatical concepts and short texts. Aims to deepen understanding and usage.
Book Three: Builds on prior knowledge with advanced vocabulary (1000 new words), longer texts and complex grammatical structures. Focuses on practical application and comprehension. This book also introduces the fundamentals of Arabic morphology.
Book Four: Introduces higher-level vocabulary (1000 new words) and advanced syntactical constructs. Enhances learners’ ability to engage with Qur’anic texts. This book also introduces the fundamentals of Qur’anic Arabic rhetoric (balāghah).
Book Five: Focuses on the rhetorical and stylistic elements of the Qur’ān. Includes dedicated passages from the Qur’anic rhetoric and idiomatic expressions. This book includes lexicon definitions and meaning of more difficult words in the Qur’ān.
Book Six: Provides comprehensive coverage of advanced themes and integrates all previously learned linguistic concepts. Emphasizes mastery and detailed understanding of Qur’anic Arabic.
The Series in Numbers: Qur’anic Topics, lessons, and texts (230), Miscellaneous Exercises: Comprehension (460), Vocabulary and Expressions (920), Vocabulary (more than 5000 words), Grammar and Syntax (920), Morphology (ṣarf) (40), Rhetoric (balāghah) (120), Qur’anic Directives (1150), Periodic Tests (25), Qur’anic Themes (230), Total Contact Hours (700), a total of more than 3380 different exercises.