Module 1 – Arabic Through Du’ās, Liturgies and Spiritual Works

In this module, we will study the Arabic language through collections of du’ās, awrād and Prophetic salutations along with excerpts from spiritual works. These texts offer a meaningful and memorable context in which to review and consolidate grammar, verb patterns, vocabulary and key structures encountered in previous years. Rather than studying grammar rules in isolation, you will explore them within texts that have been recited, read and reflected upon for generations. You will expand your vocabulary and become increasingly familiar with the language and lexicon of religious and spiritual writing.

Module 2 – Introduction to Primers in the Islamic Sciences

In this module, we will formally introduce beginner-level texts from the sciences of

Fiqh, Sīrah, Ḥadīth, Tafsīr, and ʿAqīdah. Through close reading of these texts, you will learn to draw out rich and nuanced meanings from concise phrasing, while developing an appreciation for the precision with which ideas are expressed in traditional Islamic works. You will build your vocabulary within the technical language of each science, gaining a stronger grasp of the terminology and expressions that recur throughout the Islamic scholarly tradition. Along the way, you will strengthen your ability to navigate authentic texts, recognise their characteristic styles of expression, and understand how grammatical structures and word choice contribute to meaning.

Module 3 – Classical and Modern Arabic Literature

This module builds on the literature encountered in Year 2. For the first five weeks, we will read selections from Nafḥat al- Arab, Kitāb al-Bukhalā’ and al-Mukhtārāt. You will learn to recognise distinctive features of classical Arabic prose and develop a greater sensitivity to its eloquence, humour, imagery and subtlety. Alongside comprehension, we will continue to consolidate the grammatical structures and language patterns you have encountered throughout the course, allowing you to read with increasing independence and confidence.

In the remaining five weeks, we will read excerpts from modern literary works including those by Taha Hussein, Mustafa Lutfi al-Manfaluti and Ali al-Tantawi. Through close reading and discussion, we will contrast the language and style of modern and classical Arabic, considering how vocabulary, expression, sentence structure and literary conventions have developed over time. This will broaden your experience of written Arabic and deepen your appreciation of the richness and versatility of the language across different periods and genres.