Our new method for Qur’anic Arabic is a complete reworking of Volume 1, drawing on twenty years of teaching experience and pedagogical observation. Designed to bring beginners progressively into a working understanding of the Qur’anic text, it articulates grammar, vocabulary and oral expression across two years of study. Its structure — ten progressive units punctuated by review units and tests — suits both the independent learner and the teacher seeking a ready-to-use framework for class.
What is this new method?
The term “new method” refers to the complete reworking of Volume 1 of our Qur’anic Arabic method, fully redesigned for this 2026 edition. The overall three-volume structure — covering a full pathway from the alphabet to the independent reading of sûras — remains unchanged. Only Volume 1 has been reworked.
This new edition focuses on two main aspects. First, a deepening of substance: the dialogues closing each unit now address the maqâṣid — the essential Qur’anic purposes — so that linguistic learning leads to a genuine encounter with meaning. Second, a substantial enrichment of activities and exercises, supported by new audio materials designed to durably anchor vocabulary and listening.
A progressive structure over two years of study
Volume 1 comprises ten teaching units and two review units, each divided into five lessons — sixty lessons in total, spread across two years of study. The review units allow learners to consolidate their progress before moving on to the next stage of the pathway.
The recommended pace is at least one and a half hours of formal teaching per week, complemented by a reasonable amount of personal review — re-reading lessons, memorizing vocabulary, redoing exercises. At this pace, completing Volume 1 takes two years, matching the two annual cycles held at Institut Imtiyaz.
The only prerequisite is mastery of the Arabic alphabet. The textbook itself is designed for learners already familiar with Arabic script. For absolute beginners, three introductory videos on the Arabic alphabet are available free of charge on the Unit 1 page. The videos are now available in English. A Unit 1 specially designed for non-literate students is also available free of charge on the Unit 1 page.
A pedagogy rooted in the Qur’an
The whole method rests on a clear pedagogical principle: treating the Qur’anic text not as the endpoint but as the “starting point” of learning. From the very first lessons of Unit 1, learners use their first Qur’anic words and read their first verses.
Lessons use only words from Qur’anic roots — exceptions are flagged where they occur. This lexical discipline, combined with a coherent grammatical progression, enables learners to gradually engage with longer and longer Qur’anic passages. In addition, each unit opens with a “proverbial” Qur’anic passage to be memorized, chosen as much for its linguistic reach as for its illumination of meaning.
Learning covers the four skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. For pedagogical reasons, the translations provided are deliberately quite literal.
Who is this method for?
This method is intended for anyone wishing to access the language of the Qur’an, with no prerequisite other than mastery of the Arabic alphabet. It is particularly suited to beginners eager to enter progressively into the Qur’anic text, as well as to learners who already have some grounding but seek a structured framework to deepen it.
The pedagogical format has been designed to work equally well in independent study and in class. Independent learners will find a clear progression, audio materials, and self-correcting exercises. Teachers, for their part, have access to pedagogical notes and summary memos, allowing them to build their lessons without starting from scratch.
The method is primarily addressed to adults and adolescents, but its contents remain adaptable for school use from middle-school level upward.
Browse the units of Volume 1
The twelve units of Volume 1 are listed below. Each unit page contains the supporting materials associated with the lessons in the book (audio, PowerPoint, etc.).
First year
Second year
How to obtain the method
The textbook is available in English under the title Qur’anic Arabic, an Arabic textbook based on the Qur’an, for sale on Amazon. All supporting materials — audio recordings, PowerPoint slides, additional teaching documents — are accessible directly from each unit’s page on this site.
Institut Imtiyaz will also be opening English-language courses built around this method. To learn more or register your interest, visit our Courses page.