Foundations of Arabic

The Ultimate Program to help you Understand Quran and Hadith in their Original Language

Study where you want

Join us on-site, or study from home, work, school, or anywhere else! Access and play video class recordings from any device

Study how you want

Attend live classes at the Al-Ihsan Centre, or attend live online from your own computer, tablet, or even phone.

Study for as long as you want

Flexibible enrollments options means you can enroll for select levels or the full program. Its up to you!

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Program Overview
Calendar
How to Attend
Timings, fees, etc.
FAQ
Inquiries, Registration

Program Overview

Foundations of Arabic is a three level program ranging from introductory to advanced levels, aimed towards building a firm foundation in basic Arabic speaking, reading and writing and comprehension skills.  Light on grammar, heavy on practical usage.

Our Arabic course, based out of Surrey, BC, is taught with a communicative approach
and offers unmatched learning and knowledge. Foundations of Arabic is a program of the highest quality that focus on all the primary language skills.

Program Objectives

  • Strong fundamental vocabulary
  • Reading and correct pronunciation
  • Forming noun-and-verb-based sentences
  • Essential daily conversation
  • Connecting with Qurʾānic Arabic
  • We use a communicative approach to instruction with an emphasis on practical language that you will be able to use from the very first day.

Flexible Enrollment Options

In its entirety, Foundations of Arabic (FOA) is a 3-year part-time program, divided over 3 levels. Students enrolled in FOA have the option to study for one, two, or three levels.
 
This structure allows you to join the first level, and then decide later on if you want to study more.
 
If you have some prior knowledge of the Arabic language, you may even be able to skip level one and join directly in level 2 (based on availability).

NEW!!!

The Foundations of Arabic Course now includes the translation of surahs from the 30th juz.

This new addition means you will have a chance to put everything you are learning into practice every day. Our instructors will take you through the surahs you recite in salat everyday, and break down the verses word-by-word, in order to facilitiate your learning process.

How to Attend Classes

Onsite

Brothers and sisters can drop in for classes at the Al-Ihsān Centre in Surrey, BC Canada:
11-8285 132 St. Surrey BC. V3W 4N6

See on Map

Online

Attend online through a live webinar. Students will be able to see the instructor and the instructor's screen. The interactive webinar allows students to ask and respond to questions and interact just as thought they were in class.

Phone

Students on the move during class time, ex. driving or using transit, can listen in on class by dialing a toll-free number.
Keep in mind that this option does not allow the student to interact with the instructor.

Class Recordings

When unable to make it for a live class, Students can request access to video recordings of the missed class which they use to catch in their own time to catch up.

Projected scheduling of courses

2024 – 2026*

Jan-Dec, 2024: Level 1

Jan – Dec, 2025 – Level 2

Jan – Dec, 2026 Level 3

* Dates and order of subjects posted are estimates and may vary based on discretion of instructors and administrators

class timings / schedule

The tentative class schedule is as follows:

  • Wednesdays: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM*
  • Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM*

All timings are in Pacific Time

Enrollments are opening soon.

Class timings in Ramadan will be altered based on the availability of students.

Assignments and tests

Exams will take place in the middle of as well as the end of each level.

Revision questions, assignments and homework will be given regularly.

The student should be prepared to dedicate 2-4 hours per week outside of class to study and complete assignments.

Dedication, punctual attendance, revision, completion of homework are expected from all students.

prerequisites

  • Students must be able to read Quranic Arabic
  • There are no other prerequisites for this program
  • The program is open to males and females aged 13+

Fees

  • Special discounts and financial aid may be available if required. Please contact us for more info.
  • All tuition is tax deductible
  • Regular Fees for this program are $100 per month.
  • Discounts apply to students and seniors.
  • Fees for at least the first month are due upon registration, and are required to confirm your enrollment.
  • If the fees for a full level are paid as a lump sum, an additional 5% discount will be applied to the total amount.
  • Please note that once a student attends any portion of a course , fees for that entire course are due whether the student continues the program or not.
  • Partial refunds may be available if a student withdraws before the withdrawal deadline (two weeks from the course start date).

Course Texts

  • This program uses a variety of textbooks. Some will be provided free of cost in electronic format while others will require purchase.

Instructors

Mufti Taha Masood Al Ihsan

Shaykh Taha Masood

13+ years experience teaching Arabic

Read Full Bio

Intructors may vary from level to level.

Sheryar Bashir Al Ihsan

Shaykh Sheryar Bashir

13+ years experience teaching Arabic

Read Full Bio

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team. We will do our best to get back to you within 24 hours.

Send us a message

Registration

Enrollments are opening soon.

Register here

Frequenly Asked Questions

Normally mastering the Arabic language takes 3-4 years of full time study. The Foundations of Arabic is a part-time three-year program. The program will give you a strong foundation and familiarize you with the grammar and spoken and written Arabic language. You will be able to conduct basic Arabic conversations, and will be able understand a large portion of the Holy Quran and Ahadith in their original Arabic language. In this full program, If a student dedicates the required time and effort, he/she will be able to understand and speak over 80% of the Arabic Language.

As this program was designed for individuals with full-time commitments, the course load outside of class time is quite light. Besides the time when you are studying for the test which takes place at the end of  each course, you will not be expected to give more than 2-4 hours per week for studying or assignments.

We understand that most of our students have other full-time commitments which may cause them to sometimes miss class. It is for this very reason that when a student is unable to attend class for a valid reason, he/she can request the recording of the missed class. These videos may be used to make up for any missed class.

The Foundations of Arabic program is made up of three levels. It is up to you if you wish to complete one, two, or all three levels. Each level lasts approximately one year.

We have numerous options available for financial assistance. Our priority is always to provide authentic Islamic knowledge to anyone interested, regardless of their financial situation.. Please contact our financial department at finances@ihsan.ca for more information.

You will be taught the MSA (Modern Standard Arabic). This is largely the Arabic used in Quran and Hadith, as well as the formal language used in every Arab country in the world. While residents of specific countries speak in their own dialects, they still understand MSA and will be able to converse with you in it, if required.

As long as you know how to read Quranic Arabic, we will teach you the rest. For about the first 2-3 months of the course, a portion of each week’s class is dedicated to practicing how to correctly and neatly write in Arabic.