Arabic Language
Arabic is the universal language of Muslims, as it is the language of the Qur'an. Although only 15% of Muslims speak Arabic as a native tongue, most others attempt to learn the basics. Here you can find resources for learning Arabic, online dictionaries, and websites about Islam written in Arabic
Arabic Dictionaries:
Arabic Dictionaries & Glossaries
Online Arabic-English dictionaries, glossaries of Islamic terms, and other Arabic translation resources.
Sakhr Multilingual Dictionary
Multilingual (English/Arabic/French) online dictionary. Type a term in the "search" box to bring up equivalent terms in the other languages. Arabic terms are written in the Arabic script, so one must be able to read some basic Arabic in order to benefit from this site. |
Glossary of Islamic Terms
Common Arabic phrases and words used by Muslims; definitions of Islamic theological and historical terms
Islamic Phrases: Assalamu alaikum
Definition: A common greeting among Muslims, meaning "Peace be with you." The appropriate response is "Wa alaikum assalaam" (And upon you be peace.)
Extended forms include "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you) and "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" (May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you).
Pronunciation: as-salam-u-alay-koom
Alternate Spellings: salaam alaykum, assalaam alaykum, assalaam alaikum, and others
Islamic Glossary: Allah
Definition: Literally "The God." There is no plural, masculine or feminine forms of this word in Arabic. This denotes the One True God, the Almighty Creator, Who is neither male nor female.
Pronunciation: All-ah
Also Known As: God
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Islamic Phrases: Alhamdulillah
Definition: A phrase that Muslims often use in conversation, especially when thanking God for blessings. It literally means "Praise be to Allah."
Pronunciation: al-ham-doo-li-lah
Alternate Spellings: al-hamdilillah, al-hamdulillah
Examples: "I got an A on my exam, alhamdulillah!"
Islamic Abbreviation: A.H.
Definition: "Anno Hegirae" or "After Hijrah." Hijrah means "emigration." The Islamic calendar starts from the day the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emigrated (made hijrah) from the cit of Makkah to the city of Madinah in 622 A.D.
Also Known As: H.
Examples: The year 2003 A.D. corresponds to the year 1423-1424 A.H.
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Islamic Holiday Greeting Phrases
Muslims observe two major holidays: Eid al-Fitr (at the end of the annual fasting month of Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha (at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). During these times, Muslims give thanks to Allah for His bounty and mercy, celebrate the holy days, and wish each other well. While appropriate words in any language are welcome, there are some traditional or common Arabic greetings that one may use or come across:
- "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!"
("May every year find you in good health!")
- "Eid Mubarak!"
("Blessed Eid!")
- "Eid Saeed!"
("Happy Eid!")
- "Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum."
("May Allah accept from us, and from you.")
Islamic Abbreviation: SWT
Definition: When writing the name of God (Allah), Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation "SWT." These letters stand for the Arabic words "Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala," or "Glory to Him, the Exalted." Muslims use these or similar words to glorify God when mentioning His name.
Pronunciation: sub-han'-a-hoo wa ta a la
Also Known As: Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala
Alternate Spellings: subhana wa ta'ala; subhanna wa ta'ala
Examples: Muslims believe that Allah SWT created the universe.
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Islamic Abbreviation: SAWS
Definition: When writing the name of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation "SAWS." These letters stand for the Arabic words "sallallahu alayhi wa salaam" (may God's blessings and peace be with him). Muslims use these words to show respect to one of God's Prophets when mentioning his name. It is also abbreviated as "PBUH," which stand for the English words of similar meaning ("peace be upon him").
Also Known As: PBUH
Examples: Muslims believe that Muhammad (SAWS) was the last Prophet and Messenger of God.
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Learn Arabic
Although it may seem difficult at first, you can learn to speak, read, and write the Arabic language!
Arabic Language Educational Books
These complete systems (books and/or tapes) take you through the essentials of pronunciation, grammar, reading, and writing the Arabic language - both classical and Modern Standard Arabic.
Summer / Intensive Programs
A listing of summer and intensive Arabic programs around the world, from the American Association of Teachers of Arabic.
MadinahArabic.com
Free online course designed to teach the Arabic language based on one of the most popular courses being used today - the Madinah Book Series - which is used by Madinah University (Saudi Arabia).
Arab Academy
An interactive Arabic language curriculum designed by professionals in the fiels of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language, and monitored by teachers on a regular basis.
Arabic Study Programs in the Arab World
Study Arabic in Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, or North Africa! The Middle East Studies Association recommends overseas programs that are set up specifically for foreigners. Although the list is 10 years old, it gives a good indication of the stable and long-established programs that are available.
Qasid Institute - Amman, Jordan
The Qasid Institute is quietly developing a reputation as one of the leading centers in the Middle East for Arabic language learning. A comprehensive curriculum taught over thirteen distinct levels takes a student from the proper pronunciation of letters to a high level of mastery.
Dar al-Mustafa - Tarim, Yemen
The education at Dar al-Mustafa follows the methodology of a traditional school of Islamic sciences. Studies are focused on different major areas, with jurisprudence (fiqh) and Arabic grammar (nahw) at the forefront. Other major areas of study include: theology (aqidah), Quranic memorization, Quranic exegesis (tafsir), and sciences of the heart
Learning Arabic can be fun and easy, with the assistance of these self-paced courses. These complete systems (books and/or tapes) take you through the essentials of pronunciation, grammar, reading, and writing the Arabic language - both classical and Modern Standard Arabic.
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