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Understand the language of the Quran

Guides, word studies and reflections to help you read, understand and connect with Quranic Arabic. Explore the Quranic Words Series, study methods, timeless Arab proverbs and meaningful Islamic names.

Arabic LearningWafaa: Meaningful Islamic Baby Names
1 min read

Wafaa: Meaningful Islamic Baby Names

The word wafaa means to be loyal or to fulfil an obligation. The name can be used for both genders in different forms of the word. Wafaa is not directly mentioned in the Quran. However, awfaa, which is the variant, is mentioned in the Quran. There are also examples of Wafaa in the Sunnah of

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Arab ProverbsTie Your Gazelle
3 min read

Tie Your Gazelle

In this poem, Imam Al-Shafi’i was speaking to seekers of knowledge. He was reminding students to write down what they learn and that this should be one of the habits they do to create immersive learning. In this poem, Imam Al-Shafi’i described seeking knowledge like hunting deer, while writing the knowledge is like the shackle to tie the deer we catch.

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Arabic Learning3 Keys to Raise Quran-Loving Kids (Part 1 of 3)
16 min read

3 Keys to Raise Quran-Loving Kids (Part 1 of 3)

n the first episode of “3 Keys to Raise Quran-Loving Kids”, we invited parenting expert Kathryn Jones to share her expertise and experience. In this article, we summarise and share the key highlights from Kathryn’s episode, “How to Influence Your Children to Inspired Islamic Learning”.

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Arab ProverbsRaising Children with Beneficial Knowledge
2 min read

Raising Children with Beneficial Knowledge

Children are a blessing from Allah SWT to parents. They teach parents patience and remind them of what matters in life. Muslim parents should always remember that they are an amanah (a trust) given to us by Allah SWT. Thus, a Muslim parent entrusted with children has the duty to raise children according to the guidelines of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

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Arabic LearningKeys to Knowledge
4 min read

Keys to Knowledge

Imam Al-Shafi’i was one of the four great Sunni Imams whose contributions to the fundamentals of jurisprudence (fiqh) left a legacy that led to the formation of Shafi’i school of fiqh. A theologian, writer, and scholar, Imam Al-Shafi’i had learned under some of the greatest scholars of his time. In his advice to those seeking

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Arab ProverbsThe Tale of the Donkey that Learned to Read
4 min read

The Tale of the Donkey that Learned to Read

You’ve probably heard the saying “practice makes perfect”. It means that it’s normal to make mistakes when you’re learning something new. But the more you practice, the better you’ll get. There’s a similar proverb in Arabic: التَّكْرَارُيُفِيدُالقَرَارُ Repetition brings stability Arab Proverb New Words قَرَارٌSafety, fitness or rightness أَفَادَPatience, slowness or deliberateness تَكْرَارٌ Repetition, frequency

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Arab ProverbsBeloved Prohibition: The Poem of Qays bin Mulawwah
4 min read

Beloved Prohibition: The Poem of Qays bin Mulawwah

This proverb originates from a verse of the poem of Qays that he wrote for Layla when he was in love with her and her father had prohibited their marriage. Instead of him desisting from his love for her, he expressed his grief in a poem that said the most beloved thing to a man is what he is prevented from.

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Meaningful Islamic Baby NamesLateef: Meaningful Islamic Baby Names
8 min read

Lateef: Meaningful Islamic Baby Names

The word Lateef in Arabic means gentle, amicable and good hearted. There are many variations to this name but the most common is that it is one of the names of Allaah subhaanhu wa taala. He is the Most Kind and Subtle, His actions are fine and subtle beyond our comprehension. He grants gifts to the needy and treats us with kindness without perceiving it.

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