How To Learn Arabic Using the Quran

Arabic is the religious language of Islam, and devout Muslims believe that the Quran, Islam's holy book, can truly be read only in Arabic. Many Muslims therefore desire to read the Quran in its original Classical Arabic. The Quran is the prime literary source for Classical Arabic, so it is possible to learn Classical Arabic using the holy book as your primary text. Along with a dictionary and grammatical explanations, you can learn to read the classical Arabic of the Quran.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of the Quran in Arabic
• Copy of the Quran in English
• Arabic-English Dictionary
• Book of Classical Arabic grammar

Instructions

How to Learn Arabic Using the Quran

1. Read a version of the Quran in your native language. This will increase your familiarity with the text and will make your later reading in Arabic easier.

2. Learn the Arabic alphabet and diacritical markings. The Quran is notable for always showing diacritical markings, unlike other Arabic texts, which make reading easier. Once you are familiar with the alphabet and markings, you can begin to understand the text.

3. Familiarize yourself with the basics of Arabic grammar and structure before you begin to read the Quran.

4. Choose a surah (chapter) that is familiar to you. Take your time checking vocabulary and grammar. When in doubt, check your interpretation against that of the version you have in your native language.

5. Move on to harder and longer suras as you master the easier ones. Starting with these will only lead to frustration, but if you work up to them, you should be able to accomplish your goals.

6. Listen to recordings of Quranic recitation with the Quranic text in front of you. Try to match the words you hear with the written word.

Tips & Warnings

• If the Classical Arabic of the Quran proves difficult, try studying Modern Standard Arabic. The two dialects share much in common, and there is far more material available to study the modern dialect. Look for programs on Quran reading through nearby mosques and Islamic centers. Quran reading and recitation is an integral part of Islam, and many such programs are available.

• Classical Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic (fusha) are not the same. Although Modern Standard Arabic is based largely on Classical grammar and structure, there are major differences to keep in mind. Most commonly available dictionaries do not list all Classical meanings for Arabic words. For the more uncommon words, you need a Classical dictionary.

References

• History of the Quran
• Information on Classical Arabic

Resources

• English translation of the Quran
• Quranic text and recitation audio files
• Introductory course in Classical Arabic