My fast track formula to understanding Quran like it’s your first language

Some Greeks have given me that uncomfortable look when I tell them I’m learning Arabic.  You know, the one that says ‘Ugh, you traitor, why don’t you just convert to Arabism* while you’re at it.’ 

Learning Arabic is in no way a threat to my Greek culture or any culture for that matter.  It’s actually quite the opposite – it’s enriching.  If we use that logic, is learning French, German or Spanish a threat? 

Just like some people enrol in classical Greek language courses to study the Bible, many Muslims love to learn the classical Arabic language to study the Quran.  The Arabic Quran vs. the translated English version is the difference between the sea and a glass of water.  The Arabic Quran and the translated Greek version is the difference between the sea and a glass of dirty water. 

So, after years of searching, studying, stopping, getting frustrated, studying again, I discovered the best formula for new Muslims to save them years!  I call it the ‘Fast track formula to understanding Quran like it’s your first language’.

1. Learn the Arabic alphabet and how to read simple words.
2. Take a modern Arabic 101 class (ditch modern Arabic after this).
3. Take a Quranic Arabic beginner’s course (10 min. a day for one month).
4. Enrol in a Quranic Arabic program like Al-Huda Institute or similar.

This formula is guaranteed to save you years of struggling and frustration.  You can finish steps #1-3 in about a year and you’ll know around 50% of the words in the Quran!  Step #4 involves more work for 2-3 years but afterwards you will understand 100% of the Quran!  How amazing is that?

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* We actually laugh at people who make up ridiculous words like Arabism. 

Photo credit: Samir Malik

Note: For serious Arabic students, you may want to read this as well:  Now is the time to learn Arabic.