The uniqueness, richness and beauty of the Arabic language need no introduction. The internet is filled with lectures and articles encouraging Muslims (and non-Muslims) to pursue the language. It is not the aim of this article to merely add another entry to the list. Instead, this article seeks to articulate the need to master the Arabic language, noting some errors made in interpreting the sacred texts by those who have only learned Arabic to an intermediate level.

The heart-rendering story of Ka’b Ibn Mālik رضي الله عنه was narrated by none other than himself in a lengthy, though wholly eloquent narrative. It is full of great wisdoms and lessons:

Knowing how to study is just as important as studying if not more important.  A student spends years studying, however if his methodology is inaccurate and imprecise, then he will fail in gaining maximum benefit.

As a student a lot of our time is spent writing, be it notes, articles or assessments. Scholars – both of today and the past – have written regarding this topic.

I remember my history teacher often telling us, ‘Remember! There are two sides to every story. Don’t judge based on just reading one side.’

One of the greatest living scholars (my respected teacher) Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (حفظه الله) recently returned from his two week stay in Al-Madina Al-Munawwara. He shared some amazing and interesting aspects of his trip with the students at his Darul Uloom. Below is the summary in English of what he said; it is worth a read!

Learning Arabic can be difficult. Being overwhelmed with vocabulary is stressful for a student. Now you can learn over forty words with ease with the help of artist Mahmoud Tammam who has created a series of illustrated Arabic words which show exactly what each word means in pictorial form.

Tammam has manipulated the Khat al-‘Arabi (Arabic Calligraphy) by sloping curves and dots of the Arabic characters into the bodies of animals, pieces of fruit, and distant landscapes so even if you can’t read the language, you can look at his illustrations and instantly understand what you’re reading – which in effect assists in remembering the words also!

What a fun way to learn a new language!

Recently, I’ve been taking an interest in learning about manners that every person, Muslim or Non-Muslim should adopt. Islam has a lot to offer in this area, through the examples of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as well as his Companions. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said “The only reason I have been sent is to perfect good manners”. What piqued my interest in this area was my interest in the topic of Tazkiyyah, which I have been interested in for a number of years.

The older ustadh walked up to a rosebush and handed the young ustadh a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young ustadh looked in disbelief at the older ustadh and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of Allah for his life and ministry.

There are people who are genuinely sad because there just isn’t enough time in their lives to achieve their Ṭalib al-ʿIlm dreams.