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Through five comprehensive courses over 3 levels, students build a foundational knowledge of grammar, morphology, and vocabulary essential for engaging with classical Arabic texts. This program offers an immersive learning experience that begins with the basics of Arabic morphology and grammar syntax and progresses to the advanced skills necessary for Quranic and Hadith analysis.
Throughout the program, there is a strong emphasis on comprehending Quranic vocabulary and expressions, with a focus on common words that constitute 80% of the Quran's vocabulary.
The introductory level equips students with tools for dissecting Quranic Arabic, focusing on fundamental aspects of morphology and grammar syntax. Students learn to conjugate simple verbs, recognize verb tenses, and identify trilateral roots and patterns of nouns and verbs. Grammar syntax studies cover identifying word classes, noun cases, and common pronoun types.
The intermediate level builds on these foundations, enhancing students' understanding of derived nouns and verbs, verbal constructions, and listening comprehension. Writing tasks become more complex, emphasizing vocabulary and sentence structures used in the Quran.
The advanced level further refines these skills, introducing Quranic verse and Hadith analysis. Students master advanced morphological and syntactical elements, utilize stylistic devices in writing, and improve their ability to comprehend and translate Quranic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
The Certificate in Classical Arabic at Mufid Academic Seminary utilizes a well-structured and dynamic approach to maximize student learning and engagement with Islamic texts. Key components of the program's methodology include:
All instruction is conducted in English, ensuring that students can easily grasp complex grammatical concepts and nuances without the added challenge of a language barrier.
The primary textbook used in the courses is written in English, providing clear explanations and translations. This approach facilitates a solid understanding of Classical Arabic by connecting new vocabulary and grammatical structures to the students' existing knowledge base.
The program offers a well-rounded curriculum that balances understanding the system of Qur’anic conjugation (ṣarf), syntax (naḥw), and translation. This ensures that students develop comprehensive skills in interpreting and analyzing Quranic texts.
Pre-Recorded Lectures: Students watch pre-recorded lectures of new lessons before attending live classes. These lectures are approximately 90-120 minutes per week, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit complex topics as needed.
Live Sessions: There are two live sessions each week, conducted via Zoom, each lasting 90 minutes. During these sessions, students review the lesson content, complete exercises, ask questions, and engage in deeper discussions.
Inverted Model: This model encourages students to first engage with new material through pre-recorded lectures and exercises, then attend live sessions to reinforce their understanding, address questions, and expand on the topics covered.
Each lesson includes exercises that students must complete, providing practical application of the concepts learned. Additionally, quizzes are administered to assess comprehension and reinforce learning.
Combining both synchronous (live sessions) and asynchronous (pre-recorded lectures) learning, the total instruction time amounts to approximately 4-5 hours per week. This structure ensures that students receive comprehensive and flexible instruction tailored to their schedules.
For students enrolling in the Certificate in Classical Arabic at Mufid Academic Seminary, placement exams ensure that each student begins at the appropriate level of instruction.
Introductory Level: Students starting at the introductory level do not need to take a placement exam. However, they are expected to know the Arabic alphabet and be able to read Arabic proficiently, although they do not need to understand or write it. A good measure of proficiency is the basic ability to read the Qur’an.
Intermediate and Advanced Levels: Students with previous experience in Classical Arabic who wish to place directly into the intermediate or advanced courses must take a placement exam. This exam will assess their knowledge of Arabic grammar, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary to ensure they are prepared for the more advanced coursework.The placement exam helps maintain a consistent and effective learning environment by ensuring that all students have the requisite skills for their respective course levels.
The Quran is central to our faith, and understanding its language is key to deepening our relationship with it. Mufid Seminary’s Quranic Arabic Certificate Program provides a structured, step-by-step approach to mastering the language of the Quran. With experienced instructors and a supportive learning environment, this program is designed to make Quranic Arabic both accessible and transformative.
Admissions
The Quranic Arabic Certificate Program is open to students of all backgrounds who seek to develop proficiency in Quranic Arabic. No prior knowledge of Arabic is required. Our admissions process ensures that students are prepared for the program’s structured approach to language acquisition.
Learn more about eligibility, requirements, and application deadlines on our Admissions page.
Tuition & Fees
The total cost of the Quranic Arabic Certificate Program, comprised of five courses, is $2600. Each course costs $500 coupled with a one-time $100 Application Fee.
By comparison, for students not in the Quranic Arabic Certificate Program who choose to take each course separately as auditors, the cost is $1000 per course. By committing to the complete certificate program, students save almost 50%!
Find a full breakdown of tuition and fees on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
We believe that financial constraints should never be a barrier to seeking Islamic knowledge. Merit-based scholarships are available, and students demonstrating financial need may also apply for aid.
Learn about available scholarships and how to apply on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
Students are expected to know the Arabic alphabet and be able to read Arabic proficiently, although they do not need to understand or write it. A good measure of proficiency is the basic ability to read the Qur’an.
While synchronous online classes may be recorded for educational and/or administrative purpose, recordings will only be made available to students if their absence has been excused. Students who miss class due to an unexcused absence should not assume that recordings will be available to them. Naturally, pre-recorded asynchronous lecture recordings, to be watched before the synchronous sessions, are available to all registered students.
Yes, students will need a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet capable of running video conferencing software (we generally use Zoom), and a headset or microphone for clear communication during online classes. Please note that we have a cameras-on policy to ensure active participation and engagement during sessions. Additionally, access to our Learning Management System, such as Google Classroom, is required for course materials and assignments. Specific details will be shared before classes begin.
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to accommodate students where possible. Please note that the application fee is nonrefundable. Tuition refunds are available if cancellation occurs before the start of the first course (100%) or before the second course begins (50%). After the second course starts, no refunds can be issued. If you need assistance or have concerns about continuing, we encourage you to reach out for support.
The Quranic Arabic Certificate Program consists of five courses, which can be completed as quickly as five consecutive semesters. However, students have up to 4 years to finish the program. Please note that not every level course is offered every semester. For example, the Beginner (Part 1), Intermediate (Part 1) and Advanced courses are typically offered in the Fall, while the Beginner (Part 2), Intermediate (Part 2) courses are usually offered in the Spring. This schedule allows flexibility, but students should plan accordingly based on course availability
The Certificate in Classical Arabic is entirely online. The program consists of asynchronous pre-recorded lectures, which students are required to watch before the live sessions. In addition, there are two 90-minute synchronous online classes each week, where students engage in real-time discussions and activities with instructors and peers. This format provides flexibility while maintaining interactive learning.
Yes, students will have weekly assignments and quizzes, along with a mid-term and final exam. These are required, and failure to complete them may result in a failing grade or dismissal from the course. The program is highly interactive, so students must come to class prepared, having completed all assignments. Based on past experience, students who do not allocate enough time to keep up with the coursework and assessments tend to struggle in the program. Consistent effort and time management are essential for success.
No, the courses cannot be taken concurrently as they are offered in different semesters. Additionally, students are not permitted to enroll in courses from two different levels at the same time. Each course must be completed in sequence, starting with the Beginner course, followed by the Intermediate, and then the Advanced course.
Only students who successfully meet all certificate requirements will be awarded the Certificate in Classical Arabic. This includes completing all three levels of the program—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—earning a grade of B or better in each course, and finishing all coursework within a maximum of four years. We encourage students to plan carefully and stay committed to their studies. If challenges arise, we are here to provide support and guidance to help you achieve your goals.
Yes, students can audit any of the Arabic courses offered each semester. However, auditing a course on its own is more expensive on a per-course basis compared to enrolling in the Certificate Program. The Certificate Program offers a more cost-effective option for completing the full course sequence.
Our focus is on Quranic Arabic, the language of the Quran, which encompasses its distinct vocabulary, grammar, and expressions. This form of Arabic is foundational for engaging with Islamic texts and has a deep connection to religious contexts. In contrast, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is used in contemporary writing, media, and formal communication. While MSA is valuable for modern contexts, classical Arabic provides the tools necessary to understand not only the Quran but also the works of traditional Muslim scholarship, which are deeply rooted in classical Arabic. Through our program, students build the skills to explore the linguistic nuances of the Quran and engage with the rich tradition of Islamic scholarship, offering a deeper and more comprehensive understanding than standard Arabic courses.