Introduction — Qur'anic Arabic Method

Foreword

Five years have passed since the publication of Qur’anic Arabic, an Arabic learning method based on the Qur’an. In the meantime, volumes 2 and 3 were published. Experience and high standards led me to completely redesign volume 1, which can be considered a new work in its own right.

I greatly expanded the content, particularly in the final dialogues, which address the central themes of the Qur’an — what are known as the ghāyāt or maqāṣid, the fundamental objectives of the Qur’anic message. This textbook should not be limited to the linguistic dimension alone; it should also give learners keys to reading and understanding the sacred Text.

The Method’s Purpose

Designed for teachers and self-learners alike, this book guides students step by step through Arabic learning, with the primary objective of understanding the Qur’anic text. It combines detailed study of Qur’anic grammar with oral and written practice based on Qur’anic words and roots.

From the very first pages, learning is illustrated with verses or excerpts from verses. The method never asks students to memorize texts without understanding them.

Although initially designed for adults and teenagers, much of the pedagogical material can also be used for teaching children.

Structure

The book comprises 10 + 2 units (revision units) and three exams. Each unit contains 5 lessons — 60 lessons in total, covering the equivalent of two years of study at 1.5–2 hours per week.

Unit 1 is designed for students who already know the alphabet. A version for complete beginners is available free on the website.

Pedagogy

Each unit develops the four skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing. “Pedagogical thread” notes guide teachers through the activities.

Resources

Audio recordings, interactive PowerPoint files (“Safar”) and downloadable memo sheets summarising grammar and key phrases are available on the website.

Qur’anic Grounding

Learners will read their first Qur’anic words from the earliest lessons. Each unit opens with a proverbial Qur’anic passage. The final dialogues address the maqāṣid — the fundamental objectives of the Qur’anic message — so that this manual opens not only onto the language but also onto the meaning of the sacred Text.