Disclaimer 1: These are just some of my own insights regarding how to study Arabic. These insights are catered to the Bayna Yadayk curriculum specifically. Obviously everyone studies differently and uses different techniques/strategies, so it's not meant to be taken literally. Having said that, I would appreciate hearing from all of you, regarding your own observations and/or recommendations that you came across while studying Al-Lughat Al-Arabiyyah.
Disclaimer 2: While you may notice that this is tailored to the Bayna Yadayk curriculum, please note that we are not at all trying to state that it is the best. Every curriculum has its pros and cons, and there are other great ones out there (Madinah books, Ibn Saud, Kitab Assassi, and even some customized ones). Moreover, this article was composed by a few brothers studying in Nasr City, Cairo at a Markaz (center). But obviously, there are other ways to study Arabic, be it privately, online, or even by yourself. And Allah knows best. Just ask Allah aza wa jal to help you in your journey. Remember, Arabic is means to reading the book of Allah and understanding it! Always try to purify your intention, for the sake of Allah. It's not an easy thing to do always. :)
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ARABIC: HOW TO STUDY IT AND 7 TIPS & TRICKS (BAYNA YADAYK):
1. A few people have recommended to me to watch the Madinah videos before studying Arabic. These videos tend to focus on the rules of Arabic (Qawa'id: Nahu, Sarf, etc.). The videos instructions are in English. I personally find it beneficial when JUST the rules are taught in English, because it's easier to understand the purpose and meaning behind these rules when they are taught in a way that makes sense to you. On the other hand, I believe it to be extremely beneficial when Arabic is taught in Arabic (everything except for rules), because it forces you to speak more. The Madinah videos are free and I've included the link at the bottom.
2. Before attending your lesson (whether it’s a group class or private session), study the Hiwaar (conversation) or article by yourself. This way, you can utilize class time for review, to converse, and essentially "drill" the words into your head by using them in their appropriate sentences. You'll also be able to ask specific questions about things you couldn't figure out by yourself. Try to ask questions which focus on what you need at this point and which are a priority as opposed to advanced topics (i.e. just like Islamic studies). We can all avoid interrupting the class by simply thinking about the question to ourselves before posing it (i.e. ask yourself: do I really need to know this right now?). I was told by a brother who graduated from Fajr, not to get hung up on a single word while the class is moving on, as that can slow you down while the class progresses. Going back to our topic, I had met a top student who almost spoke flawlessly mash'Allah in my level. He told me he reads the Bayna Yadayk Conversation/Article at least 8 times before going to class. Some people prefer to highlight, translate, and then write down the meaning beside every word they don't understand. Others avoid this. I'd personally like to hear from you guys what you think is better and why.
3. During the class, sit in the front of the room and in the center. Pay attention. Try not to write too much while the teacher is talking. Realize that this is the most effective time for understanding Arabic. It is essentially where the majority of your comprehension will come from, so take it seriously. Avoid speaking in English, unless your classmate is trying to explain the meaning of a word to you. The reason why you refrain from speaking English is to get to eventually "think" in Arabic and to practice speaking. After all, at the end of the day, you learn a language primarily by speaking it. Try to find a way in which you can have a conversation in Fusha with someone regularly. Regarding classroom etiquettes: We need to take this knowledge seriously, as insh’Allah we are studying it to please Allah, and we ask Allah to allow us to benefit the Ummah with it. Let’s remind ourselves about the basic Adaab and Akhlaaq within a class, and the respect to be shown for the Ustaaz (Etiquette of a Student of Knowledge). In reality, these "basics" are not easy to fulfill sometimes, and we should constantly re-visit them.
4. Take advantage of the MP3 CD that comes with the Bayna Yadayk books. Download it onto your phone or MP3 player. I found it effective to repeat what is being said after a few listens. It's also good because it lets you know how to properly pronounce certain words.
5. Consider taking a Qur'an or Tajweed class while studying Arabic. You can get 1-on1 lessons with Dar-Al-Fajr, which is a Markaz affilated with Markaz Fajr. It is a few buildings down from Pizza Hut on the 3rd or 4th floor. You can negotiate to a rate of 15 EGP per hour. 30 minutes to two hours per day should suffice. Or you can attend Markaz Masrawi, which is much cheaper. They charge 40 EGP per month, group session, twice a week. You can join their Hifz or Qu'ran reading class. You just need to get someone to correct you and to make sure you're reading and pronouncing properly. Many students, including myself, have trouble with the Ain, Dawd, Taaw, etc. One needs to articulate the Arabic language correctly (i.e. you don't want to sound like a F.O.B. when speaking Arabic, so learn to speak properly). Speaking via imitating is also beneficial to a degree. The earlier you learn to speak properly, the better, as you don't want to end up re-learning how to pronounce certain words. Allahu Alim. And Allah knows best.
6. After the Dars (group or private), I myself am not exactly sure what to do specifically, so I'd like some feedback from the brothers as to what they recommend. But essentially, what I was told was that, this is your time to review class notes, to do homework, and to prepare for the next lesson. Another important thing I was advised was: if you don't know how to use a word in a sentence (kalima fi joomla), then you really don't know the word. Make sure to practice using words in sentences. Write the word in a sentence and/or say it a few times. This is difficult in the beginning, and something I need to do more of myself, but nonetheless, it should become easier insh'Allah. In conclusion, Arabic is a language (and not just writing and reading). It is imperative that you try to speak as much as possible. In fact, listening to most senior students, their advice to me has been: never forget that a language is primarily listening and speaking - so do it as much as possible. And try to even review past lessons and vocabulary sets from time-to-time. You can also write summaries (in Arabic of course) of what you learned, and then try to have it corrected. Don't forget to keep reviewing past words, and read a lot!
7. Finally, and most importantly, purify your intentions. As one brother said, the goal is not to just "learn a language," but to "please Allah." Constantly ask yourself: why am I studying Arabic? Let's remind each other with regards to this from time-to-time. Furthermore, possessing a relationship with the Qur'an while studying Arabic – this is something that can't be stressed enough. We must all make sure that our Mushaf never gets left off to the side – that is dangerous. Please review the Arabic and Qu'ran recitation links below. Included are some of the latest video links extremely helpful in Tajweed. Having a relationship with the Qur'an is a must for every Muslim and essentially, our reflection, recitation, and understanding of Kitab'Allah, is the key to everything else. Also, acquaint yourself with some Du'as pertaining to knowledge.
I ask Allah to guide us, to guide our families, to bless us, and place all us in Jannat Al Firdous, making us the neighbour of Rasul'Allah sallalhu alayhi wasalaam. Ameen.
Your brother in Islaam,
ARABIC RESOURCES:
Al-Arabiyyatu Bayna Yadayk on YouTube*
Video Lessons by Ustaz Abdul Karim, Greenlane Masjid, UK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_btQFskJVSQ
Bayyinah Institute, USA
PDF English/Arabic notes (Nahu, Sarf explained, etc.), Units 2-7:
http://bayyinah.com/courses/study-materials/#more-1096
Madinah Video Series By Dr. Abdur Rahim
Some Nahu, Sarf explained in English
http://www.kalamullah.com/learning-arabic.html
Arabic for All (Head Office in Saudi Arabia)
This is the publisher of Al-Arabiyyatu Bayna Yadayk
If I'm not mistaken, I believe they are currently revising their curicculim, with one that includes videos. If you email them, they make be able to send you mail you a free copy of the videos, so
long as you provide them with feedback. www.arabicforall.net
QUR'AN AND TAJWEED RESOURCES:
http://www.MuslimMedia.ca - The Qur'an section inshAllah has all the resources you need
IslamWay - Egyptian website with hundreds of recitations
People usually recommend Sheikh Hussary and Sh. Ibrahim Al-Akhdar for Tajweed.
http://english.islamway.com/sindex.php?section=erecitorslist
Learn 2 Read Quran - Basic and Advanced (Alphabet and Tajweed)
Website: http://www.l2rq.com
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/L2RQ/videos
Qur'an Verse by Verse
Superb site if you want to memorize the Qur’an or listen to the Aswaat (sounds) carefully. Each verse is separated in its own MP3. It's helpful because you set track to "repeat" mode. http://www.versebyversequran.com
And Allah knows best.
