arabic

Learning and teaching Arabic language is hard work. Constant effort is required over an extensive period of time for the language to stick in the minds of young ones. Games help and encourage many learners to sustain their interest and work.

This is a review of the program "Access to Quranic Arabic" by Abdul Wahid Hamid. Through its books and tapes, it aims to help the user better understand the classical Arabic of the Quran. 

Abdul Wahid Hamid was born in San Juan, Trinidad where he had his early education and worked as an elementary school teacher before leaving on a scholarship to the Azhar in Cairo, Egypt. There he studied Arabic for one academic year and moved on to London. 

This article has evolved with Sound Vision's use of English or what language do Muslims speak?. It is prepared with the intention to create a standard for the usage of common English and Muslim language. We welcome your suggestions to it.

It is unfortunately true to say that most kids who graduate from an Islamic school in North America cannot understand Quranic Arabic. And this is after years of study. But do they know what they are reading? And do we care?

The following Arabic terms are used in this handbook for reasons of brevity and conciseness.

Awrah: The private parts of an individual

Azan: The call to Salat

Bida'h: An innovation in religion