Quranic Arabic Instructor
Growing up in South Africa, like many Muslims around the world, I learned to recite the Qur’an as a child with no understanding of its meaning. However, my Arabic language journey began in 2002 when I was introduced to the language through a local community class. At that time, my understanding was minimal and this continued into 2003 when I pursued an Islamic Studies Diploma. In retrospect, I realize the importance of having a systematic pedagogy when introducing Arabic to new learners.
In 2004, I traveled to Jordan where I studied at a language institute in Zarqa and then completed a semester at Qasid in ‘Amman. Frankly, I was initially apathetic about Arabic and sometimes overwhelmed by it, but thankfully what was intended to merely be a gap year in the Middle East evolved into a lifelong love. I began to appreciate the true beauty of the Arabic language in 2005 when I continued my Arabic studies at various institutes in Damascus, Syria. By immersing myself in the study of language, I gained a newfound respect and appreciation for the rich tapestry of Muslim history and civilization. This profound exploration has served as a transformative experience, shaping and expanding my sense of Muslim identity in ways that I never thought possible. Furthermore, during my time in Syria, I was fortunate to attain an ijāzah in tajwīd (Hafs) from Shaykh Kurdi رحمه الله.
In 2010, I met my teacher in Egypt with whom I have studied virtually since. With her, I completed a book on grammar and focused on grammatical analyses of the Qur’an. However, at some point, I was advised to read more rather than concentrate solely on grammar. I then read Ibn Kathir’s stories of the prophets and sections of Ghazali’s Ihya ‘Ulum al-dín with my teacher. In 2012, I was blessed to be introduced to Fawakih and became their summer instructor the following year. I also went on to teach for Fawakih in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
During the Covid pandemic, I studied selections of poetry with a private teacher, which was an extraordinary and inspiring experience for me because I set grammar aside and delved into the literary genius of poets throughout history.
I am deeply passionate about the Arabic language and can testify that the more I learn of it, the more it captivates me. It has left an indelible impact on my spirituality and I am filled with gratitude and awe for having been invited to pursue this path, and am indebted to the impactful teachers I’ve had along the way. Currently, I am studying the Shamā’il of Tirmidhi, Balāgha, and a literary text by an Andalusian scholar, Ibn Hazm. My love for Arabic continues to deepen, and I am committed to walking alongside my students as they embark upon their own journey.