Quranic Linguistics Institute - Quranic Linguistics FAQ

Quranic Linguistics Institute

Quranic Linguistics FAQ

What's the best way to learn Arabic?

We recommend a three-pronged approach: (1) Reading Comprehension & Conversational Skills, (2) Arabic Linguistics, (3) Tajwid. Ideally, the three subjects should be taught in parallel. For details see The Three Components of a Successful Quranic Arabic Program.

What's the next step? I’ve read the “Three Components ..” article and I’m convinced, now what?

The next step is to find a qualified teacher who can help one go through an introductory Arabic linguistics book. Level One of Quranic Linguistics attempts to give an introduction to Arabic linguistics using the Quran and Hadeeth as the primary sources of Arabic.

How long does it take to learn the three components?

That depends on many factors such as the number of contact hours spent per week, prior exposure, linguistic/cultural background, age, learning abilities, teaching methodology, pace of instruction, and the curriculum/books used. The numbers listed below are estimates that are only intended to give a rough idea (actual numbers may vary):
Tajwid: 200 to 1000 contact hours
RCC: 600 to 1000 contact hours
Linguistics: 225 to 250 contact hours
(See below: How long does it take to Complete QL Series ?)

What is Quranic Linguistics?

Overview of the 3-Level Quranic Linguistics Series”

How long does it take to complete QL courses?

Based on past summer intensives, on average, QL takes an estimated 200 contact hours as follows (actual numbers may vary)

QL 1: 75 contact hours (approximately)
QL 2: 100 contact hours (approximately)

QL3: 50 contact hours (approximately)

NOTE: It is recommended that QL2 be split into two semesters. See details on Course Duration & Flexibility

What’s the best way to learn Quranic Linguistics?

The most efficient, effective and logical way to mastering Quranic linguistics is to begin with Arabic morphology, which is like planting seeds into the ground. The second step is Arabic grammar, which is like watering the tree until its branches are fully developed. The third step, Arabic rhetoric, is the sweet fruit.

What about studying Arabic abroad?

What do you advise students thinking about studying Arabic abroad?

I’m in High School. Is QL appropriate for me?

Yes. QL is primarily intended for high school and college students. For more information, see QL is Appropriate for All Levels.

What do Arabic teachers say about QL ?

What Arabic Teachers & Students Say

What is the pre-requisite for QL One?

The only pre-requisite for Level One of QL is the ability to read/write the Arabic alphabet, even if slowly and/or without understanding. The teacher determines the appropriate pace depending on the students’ prior backgrounds and experience with Arabic. Thus, students with prior background in Arabic will be able to complete it at a higher pace.

What level of proficiency is attained after completing QL3?

After successful completion of QL3, the student should be able to perform linguistic analysis of the Quran as well as understand most modern and classical commentaries (tafaseer) of the Quran. The QL series helps gain a deeper understanding of Hadeeth and Arabic literature. Furthermore, QL series also serves as a necessary pre-requisite for academic study of all Islamic disciplines including Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Aqida, etc. إن شاء الله

I’m an intermediate/advanced Arabic student. Do I still need QL?

Masters and PhD candidates for Arabic and Islamic studies regularly enroll in QL courses to strengthen and enhance their linguistic skills.
According to Dr. Ayman al-Shawwa (Professor of Arabic, University of Damascus), the series is not only beneficial for beginners, but also necessary for advanced students who, according to him, “cannot do without it”. See Dr. Ayman's Arabic foreword in the Curriculum section.

I have a BA in Arabic. Do I still need QL?

Please see the question above.

Which Arabic curriculum is right for me? How can I make an informed decision?

The Four Characteristics of A Successful Arabic Linguistics Curriculum

Is QL for intermediate/advanced students only?

QL is appropriate for all levels: beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Please see Is QL Appropriate for Beginners? Both beginners and experienced Arabic teachers have benefited tremendously from QL courses.

Who is qualified to teach Quranic Linguistics?

QL Teacher Qualifications

My local community Arabic teacher is Interested in QL. What resources are there to help her?

Visit QL Teacher Resources Page

Note: Arabic teachers are highly recommended to take QL based summer intensive courses at institutes such as Fawakih.

My organization wants to get QL certification for our Arabic faculty. What’s the process?

QL Teacher Certification Process

How can I find a qualified QL teacher in my community?

The number of qualified QL teachers is growing rapidly in North America, Europe, Middle East, and other regions. Please contact us at QL@QuranicLinguistics.com and tell us about your location. We’ll do our best to help you find a qualified QL teacher nearby.

How does QL compare with classical texts such as الأجرومية ،

شذور الذهب ، ألفية ابن مالك ?

Ajerumiyya is a great introductory classical grammar text that primarily discusses syntax and inflection. It was supposedly written to introduce grammar to Arab children who already know Arabic. It doesn't discuss Sarf (morphology). On the other hand, QL 1 is primarily a text on introductory morphology with only one unit for syntax and inflection. Unit 4, the only unit in QL1 dedicated to grammar, covers about 80% to 90% of what Ajerumiyyah provides, some in more details, some in less. Thus, it is not fair to compare Ajerumiyya with QL1 because the two focus on different disciplines: QL 1 is primarily for Sarf whereas Ajerumiyyah is primarily concerned with introductory syntax and inflection. QL2, however, journeys into a whole new sphere of grammar that Ajerumiyyah doesn't and was never intended for. Roughly speaking, QL2 covers over 50 times more grammar than Ajerumiyyah.

What classical texts may be compared to the QL series?

While it is impossible to provide a precise comparison, QL2 and QL3 combined are more or less comparable to classical texts such as Alfiyyah (ibn Malik), Shuzur az Zahab (ibn Hisham), and al-Kawakib ad-Durriyyah (Muhammad al-Ahdal). In some cases QL gives more than these respective texts, while in other cases, it provides less. QL’s primary goal is Quranic Arabic, where these classical texts aren’t necessarily restricted to Quranic Arabic. Thus, they cover a wider range of topics than QL does.

Which texts go beyond QL2 / QL3 ?

There are many. Some of the most detailed and authoritative linguistic works that go well beyond QL2 and QL3 combined (which are frequently referenced throughout the QL series) include :

جامع الدروس العربية (مصطفى الغلاييني)

النحو الوافي (عبّاس حسن)

معاني النحو (فاضل السامرائي)

البلاغة العربيّة (عبد الرحمن حبنّكة)

التطبيق الصرفي (عبده الراجحي)

حاشية الصبان على شرح الأشموني عىلى ألفية ابن مالك

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