Qur’anic Arabic

Qur’anic Arabic refers to classical Arabic as it unfolds in the Qur’an: a language of rare semantic density, structured around a system of roots, whose mastery opens direct access to the sacred text. Learning this language is not merely studying grammar — it is entering into a relationship with the Revealed Word, grasping what even the best translations can only approximate. For twenty years, the Institut Imtiyaz has been designing and refining a rigorous method to make this learning progressive, profound and accessible, whether you are a complete beginner or a teacher looking for solid pedagogical tools.

Why learn Qur’anic Arabic?

Reading the Qur’an in its original language means no longer depending on an intermediary. Every translation makes choices that inevitably reduce the polysemic richness of the Arabic text. Direct access to the source allows you to grasp the grammatical and lexical nuances that shape meaning, to meditate on the musicality of each verse, and to connect passages through their shared roots. It is also a demanding intellectual discipline: Qur’anic Arabic trains the ear, structures thought and refines one’s relationship to language itself. For many students, this approach durably transforms the way they read, pray and reflect.

Who is this method for?

The method has been designed for adults and teenagers, whether they study on their own or in class. Independent learners will find clear instructions, professional audio files and systematic answer keys; teachers have access to a detailed pedagogical thread, complementary worksheets and interactive PowerPoints. A specific version of Unit 1 is available free of charge for non-literate students, accompanied by three videos teaching the Arabic alphabet. A large part of the material can also be adapted for teaching children. No prior knowledge is required beyond reading the alphabet (or the alternative version for non-literate learners).

Our pedagogical approach

The founding principle of the method is to make the Qur’anic text the starting point of learning, not its endpoint. From the very first lessons, students encounter words and verses they can understand. The vocabulary is composed almost exclusively of Qur’anic roots — the rare exceptions are always indicated. Four skills are developed in parallel: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Translations are deliberately literal, sometimes at the expense of elegance, in order to preserve pedagogical precision. The dialogues that close each unit address the maqâṣid of the Qur’an — the essential Qur’anic purposes — so that linguistic learning is articulated with an understanding of the message. Each unit opens with a « proverbial » Qur’anic passage to be memorised, chosen for its linguistic reach and depth of meaning.

A two-year progression

Volume 1 covers the equivalent of two years of study, based on 1.5 to 2 hours of weekly class accompanied by reasonable personal work. It contains 10 teaching units and 2 review units, for a total of 60 lessons. Progression is marked by an intermediate test at the end of the first semester, an end-of-first-year test, and a final test after Unit 10. The first units introduce the nominal sentence, the imperfective, attached pronouns and the construct state (iḍâfa); later units develop the perfective, derived verb forms, irregular verbs and advanced Qur’anic applications (rhythm, metre, translation). Each unit concludes with a review « memo » and a final written assignment. This progression matches the two annual cycles organised at Institut Imtiyaz.

Go further

To discover the detailed contents of the programme, see the presentation of the new method (2026 edition). To join one of our teaching cycles, in class or online, visit the Courses page. And to explore the historical, literary and cultural context of the Arabic language, browse our resources.

Qur’anic Arabic is the language of the Qur’an and classical Islamic tradition. Discover our methods and resources to learn it.