The Arabic Imperative

by: Saif Omar

“Learning Arabic is a journey, like climbing a mountain or running a marathon, not like constructing a house.”
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Chefchaouen MOROCCO



What I’ve learned from advising and observing thousands of students on their Arabic journey, the best way to solidify learning in your current level is to take the next one. Only from level 2 do you truly begin to appreciate your progress in level 1. By learning more advanced topics, the earlier topics sink in. It's as if the new content compresses the older content, making it look easy! Learning Quranic Arabic is a journey like climbing a mountain or running a marathon, not like constructing a house. There's no staying still, it’s either up or down, forward or backward. Either you are progressing and moving up towards the peak, or you start sliding down.

“Learning Quranic Arabic is a messy process, not a linear path, with a series of breakthroughs and plateaus. It ends up requiring more heart than mind.”

The worst thing is to stop or separate from your climbing buddies. The way to the top is to keep moving together. Whether you go through a storm and are thrown off track for a bit or you are tired, keep moving, even if you’ve slowed down and are just inching forward. Once someone stops, it's very difficult to make it to the top. Ninety percent of students who take extended time off (more than 1 semester) their Fawakih journey never come back to finish their journey. Life happens. Like in a mountain climb, once you stop moving, the cold sets in and the doubts start creeping into your mind. It's very difficult to catch up and get back into it. You end up going to basecamp and waiting to hear stories from the others who made it to the top.

A few practical tips, if you must take time off:

  1. Have and communicate a clear timeline

  2. Hold yourself accountable by registering for the next level

  3. Keep a steady routine of review and study during your sabbatical

  4. Stay in touch with your coach to stay committed and connected

I hope each and every one of you makes it to the top. The view is quite spectacular. Not only is learning Quranic Arabic a lifelong skill like riding a bike or swimming, but accomplishing something you felt you couldn't is the best feeling the world! Once you've overcome that fear, you'll feel like anything is possible.

Keep moving!

Learning Quranic Arabic is a messy process, not a linear path, with a series of breakthroughs and plateaus. It ends up requiring more heart than mind. Keep on climbing; I promise you that the view from the top will take your breath away!