Islamic education is a lifelong journey for you as a Muslim. And Arabic is the key to understanding Islamic knowledge. 

Of course, you don’t have to learn Arabic. However, if you want to go deep in your Islamic studies, you should start learning Arabic. Learning Arabic is part of educational programs in Islamic schools. And we are going to see how we incorporate it into our curriculums at Sahlah.

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The Quran is more than just words on a page; it is a guide for life. Imagine that Allah speaks to you! Yes you, the tiny human in this universe. 

The Quran is written in Arabic. While translation is helpful for understanding, it’s not enough. Every word of the Quran carries profound meaning, making it essential for Muslims to study the language if they want to fully understand and feel the message of Allah.

Imagine reading your favorite book in translation. Sure, you get the basic idea, but the true essence, the beauty of the language, and the emotional depth may be lost. When you read the Quran in its original language, you don’t just get the message—you feel it.

Why Translations Aren’t Enough?

It’s true—there are translations of the Quran -and Islamic texts- in nearly every language. However, they can only go so far. When you translate something, you often lose the cultural context, wordplay, and even the emotion. 

Take the word "Taqwa" for instance. It’s often translated as “piety” or “God-consciousness”. But in Arabic, it carries a sense of fear, hope, love, and awareness of God all wrapped into one. 

Can one English word capture all that? Not really. That’s why studying in Arabic is so important for students at online Islamic schools. Not only to learn the Quran but also for daily Islamic practice and understanding Islamic texts.

Arabic as a Unifier in the Muslim World

Muslims come from all corners of the globe, speaking countless languages. Yet, Arabic unites them all in worship and knowledge. Whether you’re in Indonesia, Nigeria, or the UK, Arabic serves as a common language that ties Muslims together. 

It doesn’t matter what your native tongue is—Arabic bridges that gap. For example, when Muslims gather for Salah (prayers), no matter where they are, the prayers are recited in Arabic. 

This creates a sense of unity and brotherhood among the community. The feeling of being part of a larger, global family becomes even stronger when everyone can understand and engage with the Quran in the same language.

The majority of Islamic literature, from hadith collections to classical commentaries, is in Arabic. If you want to dive deep into fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), tafsir (Quranic exegesis), or other advanced topics, Arabic is your gateway.

Many of the nuances and wisdom found in Islamic scholarship can’t be fully captured in translation. Scholars spend years mastering Arabic to interpret these texts accurately. When you learn Arabic, you gain direct access to centuries of knowledge.

Sahlah Academy, for instance, offers comprehensive courses on both Arabic and Islamic studies, helping students bridge this knowledge gap. Read more about the AQI program at Sahlah: The Comprehensive Program for Islamic Studies; AQI

The importance of Arabic isn’t limited to just the Quran. Daily Islamic practices like Salah, du’a, and dhikr are conducted in Arabic as well. Even if someone doesn’t speak Arabic fluently, understanding key phrases used in prayer can deepen their spiritual connection.

Let’s think about Salah for a moment. Each time you pray, you’re speaking directly to Allah in Arabic. When you understand what you're saying, your prayers become more meaningful. 

The phrases “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar” are not just words, they’re powerful expressions of worship.

Daily Arabic Words and Phrases

To get started, here’s a daily list of essential Arabic phrases used in Islamic practices:

Start by learning one new word each day, practicing its pronunciation, and incorporating it into your daily conversations and prayers. It’s also part of our AQI program, where students learn Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies.

Passing down the knowledge of Arabic is our duty towards our children and the new generation of Muslims. We are integrating Arabic into our curriculums at Sahlah, the leading online Islamic education school.

When children learn Arabic, they aren’t just learning a language—they’re building a deeper relationship with their faith. But it’s not always easy to get kids excited about learning a new language, especially one as complex as Arabic.

We integrate technology and modern teaching methods into our curriculums. That’s how we make the learning process engaging and interactive. We also collaborated with the Bridges Foundation to invest in our students and help them build a solid Muslim mindset.

Learn more about this collaboration: Build Muslim Mindset | Sahlah Collaboration with Bridges Foundation 

Tips to start learning Arabic: 

1. Set your goals, like learning Quranic or conversational Arabic. 
2. Choose online platforms that fit your learning style. 
3. Practice daily with apps or flashcards to build consistency. 
4. Join Arabic study groups for motivation and support. 
5. Immerse yourself in Arabic content like lectures and podcasts.

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As an online Islamic school, we are concerned with 3 main aspects: academic subjects, Islamic subjects, and Arabic. It is necessary to deliver a high-quality curriculum for all of them.

We provide several learning programs that contribute to reaching our destiny. Starting from K-12 online education programs, Islamic studies (as Quran), to Arabic studies.

You can click the link of each of them to learn more about each specific program and enroll directly. These three are supposed to match the specific needs of our students.

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It’s recommended to practice daily. Consistency matters more than cramming, so small, regular study sessions can yield great results over time.