Classical Arabic Foundations

Year 2: Arabic Grammar in Action: Prose, Poetry & Scripture

Unlocking Language Together​

  • Online
  • Ustadha Zainab A. Eneborg
  • Starts 23rd Sept 2025
  • 60 hours
Register Here
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This one year early-intermediate Arabic course builds on foundational grammar through close reading of authentic texts, including Qur’anic verses, Hadith, classical poetry, and short stories. Students will strengthen their grammar while developing greater proficiency in reading and writing across a variety of literary and religious genres.

Join our dynamic live sessions. Dive deep into Arabic in real-time with Ustadha Zainab. This isn’t just about textbooks, it’s about real connections and deeper dives into the sacred Arabic language.

Course Instructor

Ustadha Zainab Ahmed Eneborg

Instructor Biography:

Ustadha Zainab Ahmed Eneborg earned her ‘Alimiyyah qualification from Ebrahim College, East London, in 2017. She then completed a one-year Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership at Cambridge Muslim College, thereafter joining the inaugural cohort of the College’s BA Program in Islamic Studies, from which she graduated in 2020. Zainab went on to pursue further traditional Islamic studies in Istanbul for two years. She currently balances her time between being a mother and pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at University College London

Wednesdays, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Term 1
Week commencing: 23rd September-9th December 2025 

Term 2
Week commencing: 6th January- 17th February 2026

Term 3
Week commencing: 14th April – 30th June 2026

 

Module 1 – Stories & Strong Foundations (10 weeks)

In this module, we will use short stories from Al-Qirāʾah al-Rāshidah to build your Arabic skills step by step. You’ll grow your vocabulary, strengthen your grammar, and learn to understand and write more confidently in Arabic. Together, we’ll review important grammar rules (naḥw) and word patterns (ṣarf), including different verb types and sentence structures. By the end, you’ll be able to read more smoothly, understand more complex sentences, and express yourself in writing with greater accuracy.

You will:

  • Read Arabic stories with better fluency and understanding

  • Expand your vocabulary in a meaningful, context-based way

  • Gain confidence in recognising and using different verb forms and grammar patterns

  • Write your own sentences and short passages with correct grammar

Module 2 – Understanding the Qur’an & Hadith (4 weeks + 6 weeks)

In this module, we will focus on the Qur’an and Hadith. You’ll learn how to carefully read and break down verses and narrations, recognising how the grammar and word forms add depth and meaning. We’ll explore sentence structures, word patterns, and how these create subtle shades of meaning that enrich the text.

You will:

  • Parse Qur’anic verses and Hadith accurately, step by step

  • Recognise important grammatical structures 

  • Understand special word forms that add emphasis or depth

  • See how Arabic grammar brings out the beauty and precision of Qur’anic and Prophetic language

Module 3 – Poetry, Eloquence & Meaning (10 weeks)

This module introduces you to the beauty of classical Arabic poetry. We’ll read selected lines from Imam Shāfiʿī’s Dīwān, the famous Qaṣīdat al-Burda, and other spiritual poems. You’ll practise applying your grammar and morphology knowledge, while also learning the basics of Arabic rhetoric (balāgha) – discovering how poets use language for power, beauty, and meaning.

You will:

  • Read and understand selected lines of classical Arabic poetry

  • Apply your grammar and word-pattern skills to poetry

  • Learn basic rhetorical devices and see how they enhance meaning and eloquence

  • Appreciate the ethical and spiritual themes in traditional Islamic poetry

This course is intended for students who can read and write Arabic comfortably and have a foundational understanding of grammar. This includes knowledge of nominal and verbal sentence structures, basic iʿrāb, and verbal patterns such as mujarrad and mazīd fīhī forms (Forms I-X) of both ṣaḥīḥ (regular) and muʿtall (weak) verbs. Students will be tested before the course starts to ensure they meet this requirement.

Complete Year 2 to earn your Certificate in Foundational Arabic Studies, demonstrating a grounding in foundation Classical Arabic.

What Our Students Say

Hear from those who have studied Classical Arabic Foundations and gained a foundational understanding of the Arabic language.

"I took part in the Classical Arabic foundations course which was an intense 3 term session. The teachers were amazing mashallah, always ready to explain and make things understandable even when they got tough! Kept us motivated with regular reminders and created a lovely environment to learn from. It was also lovely meeting new sisters who made the experience all the more enjoyable. "
Student
- Fatima Alibhai
"This is a wonderful course for anyone who intends to begin their Arabic language journey. Prior to this course I have tried numerous ways (Duolingo, you tube videos etc.) to learn Arabic but nothing actually worked. This course had a great impact on my recitation and prayers as I can better understand the words I am uttering. I am grateful to all the teachers who were indeed very supportive and kind."
Student
- Rafia Nimal
"I found the course very well structured, engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The professionalism, passion and sheer love of the language of the teachers is simply infectious, may Allah reward them with good. I like to attend classes in person but the teachers were always available and happy to help when needed so it didn't feel that I was on an online course."
Student
- Summaira Saddiq
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